Anarchists vow to pack a King County courtroom Monday
May 5, 2013, 5:49 PM | Updated: May 6, 2013, 10:47 am
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Puget Sound Anarchists vow to show support for those arrested during the May Day protest by packing a King County courtroom Monday afternoon “in a show of solidarity and to let these rebels know they are not alone, innocent or guilty,” they say.
Seattle police arrested 17 people at the scene of the May Day protests last Wednesday.
Most were released from jail, but some remain and will have a court appearance Monday afternoon.
The anarchists say most are facing assault and felony riot charges. I haven’t seen the charging documents yet. Six people who spent Wednesday night in the King County Jail face misdemeanor charges that include obstructing officers, resisting arrest, property damage and failure to disperse, the city attorney’s office said.
Three who bailed out of the jail could be charged later, according to the Associated Press, and five others could be facing more serious charges.
“Be aware that the Seattle Pigs say that they are working ‘feverishly’ to identify further May Day suspects,” they write on a post distributed through social media over the weekend.
Police have asked for help from residents who might have video of the Wednesday night demonstration they could turn over, or who may know those in photos showing unlawful behavior. Even if you don’t turn in photos or videos, police ask that you save the images.
So, the anarchists suggest, “If there is any reason you suspect that there may be pictures of you committing a crime on May Day and you did not properly conceal your identity, it may be worth considering not coming to the courthouse.”
The Seattle Police Department is forming a task force to investigate all criminal activity that occurred during the May Day evening demonstration.
>>>Photos from the May Day riots
By LINDA THOMAS