May Day Demonstrators Clash with Police in Pacific Northwest, Officers Injured
Demonstrations in Seattle, Portland, Ore. and Oakland, Calif. began peacefully to decry labor inequalities, racism and civil rights violations, but turned ugly after nightfall.
In Seattle, at least three officers were injured, two seriously, when thedemonstrations turned into a “riot, police said.” Demonstrators, many dressed in black clothing and masks, set fires on Seattle Central community college and smashed vehicles. At least one “explosive device” was thrown at police as they tried to disperse the crowd. Some demonstrators hurled rocks and wrenches. At least 16 people were arrested. One was carrying a soda bottle with green pain, a wrench and a machete painted with the word “death,” police said.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray denounced the violence, saying peaceful protests and civil disobedience could be “effective vehicles of social change.”
“The City of Seattle prepared extensively to protect the rights of peaceful protesters to express their anger at racism and injustice,” he said. “What erupted tonight is a very different story. Tonight we saw assaults on police officers and senseless property damage, which cannot be tolerated. Those who are violent will be arrested. We will work to disperse groups that are threatening the safety of our residents and businesses.”
In Portland, police said unruly protesters threw chairs and trash at police. At least one officer was injured and several flash-bang grenades were exploded in the crowd.
More than 400 protesters also turned violent in Oakland, setting cars on fire and smashing windows. More than a dozen people were arrested.
