What had started out as a peaceful protest Sunday in Seattle turned into a violent riot that left nine people arrested and many injured including at least five police officers. The protests took place all around the country in honor of May Day which is a holiday recognized in many countries around the world and was created to honor and recognize workers contributions and grievances.
The day had started peacefully in Seattle with a march and demonstration early in the day. The anti-capitalism demonstrations were focusing on better conditions for workers everywhere as well as for better and increased wages and calls for the government to issue work visas for illegal immigrants in the country.
It was noted that five police officers were injured in the clashes but the number of injured protesters was not immediately known but it is suspected to be in the many dozens. The violence began with black clad protesters who began throwing Molotov cocktails as well as rocks and bricks at police. Police arrested at least nine protesters in the violent clashes that happened later in the day and into the Seattle night.
The police rolled into the later crowd on bicycles and began attacking the crowd with rubber bullets and pepper spray. There were many signs at the rally with one stating that. “We Are Ungovernable”. Other police stormed the crowds on foot and on horseback all while wearing full protective riot gear. Nearly 100 of the protesters were wearing all black and had masks on. The police began to execute a rolling blockade in an effort to shepherd them out of downtown Seattle’s major business district.
The nine arrests were charged with property damage, obstruction and assault. The day had begun peacefully downtown as the initial May Day march proceeded without incident, violence or arrests. It was at the conclusion of the day’s events, around 6:30 PM, that the black clad protesters decided to make themselves known.
Seattle police believed that they had acted responsibly to the later violence as the police took heavy criticism last year for arresting 16 people and for attacking crowds that were peacefully assembling. There were relatively peaceful May Day observances around the country though there was a heavy anti-Donald Trump cloud everywhere as many protesters disagree with his stance on illegal immigration.
PHOTO SOURCES: Reuters; The Associated Press