Police report 45 arrests after march on Capitol Hill declared a ‘riot’
Jul 25, 2020, 2:44 PM | Updated: Jul 26, 2020, 7:00 pm
The Seattle Police Department declared events in Seattle’s Capitol Hill on Saturday afternoon a riot due to “the ongoing damage and public safety risks.”
SPD reports Sunday that “dozens of arrests” were made. At 10 p.m. Saturday, SPD said 45 people had been arrested for assault on officers, obstruction, and failure to disperse. They say 59 officers were injured on Saturday — one was treated for a knee injury while most of the rest returned to duty.
Two groups of demonstrators gathered in Capitol Hill just after 2 p.m. Saturday at Seattle Central College and Cal Anderson Park before all marching south on Broadway, according to SPD’s report.
At 4 p.m., the crowd arrived at the King County Youth Service Center and a small group entered the construction site and set fire to portable trailers and other equipment. Windows were later broken at several businesses in the area as the group moved north on 12th Avenue. Once they reached the East Precinct, several people began spray painting and trying to disable security cameras. A device exploded that left a hole in the side of the precinct. SPD declared the incident a riot and issued orders to disperse.
“The crowd threw bottles and balloons filled with liquid and shot mortar fireworks and tossed explosives at officers,” according to the SPD Blotter.
Police responded with OC spray, blast balls, and sponge rounds, but did not deploy tear gas, staying true to a promise made by Police Chief Carmen Best. The crowd continued to shrink in size over the course of the night.
Follow tweets from KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott, KTTH’s Jason Rantz, and Seattle Police Department:
As of 10pm: Police have made 45 arrests in connection with today’s riot in the East Precinct. 21 officers sustained injuries after being struck by bricks, rocks mortars/other explosives. Most officers were able to return to duty. One was treated at a hospital for a knee injury.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
A man is giving a speech while someone moments ago fired what sounded like a firework. Otherwise calm but tense. pic.twitter.com/e9KMNf7gWr
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
These two got pepper sprayed about 30 min ago. pic.twitter.com/ZKGYnuIWmZ
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
He’s not happy. He left when I stopped recording. pic.twitter.com/afi2ZkscDf
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Another arrest. Stole bread? pic.twitter.com/bAL9yvqTPC
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
I didn’t cause but pepper spray came out at the stand off line a few minutes ago & again crowd running fast in small space, Shocking if nobody gets trampled today. Thanks to whoever grabbed my arm to pull me to safety. @KIRORadio #seattleprotestscomms #seattle pic.twitter.com/IPH6kRK70g
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
In fighting. Dude is taunting cops. Woman is warning him not to. And now they’re yelling at each other. pic.twitter.com/uxahVaMnuR
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
It’s getting tense again. pic.twitter.com/AtSnjoTK9P
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
That happened quick. pic.twitter.com/oDpOD4nH9F
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
As stand-off continues at former #CHOPseattle following day long marches, demonstrations @SeattlePD declared a riot this drone just got a lot of attention @KIRORadio #seattleprotestcomms pic.twitter.com/lmsIfLDDvB
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Dumpsters & drums being played as crowd holds chants “Take off your riot gear” as seen when #chopchaz some at the front of the line trying to have conversations with officers who pretty much stay focused on standing at the line @KIRORadio #seattleprotestcomms pic.twitter.com/wVqdqEVTzh
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
After rioting for a good portion of the day, Seattle crowd is now chanting “take off your riot gear, I don’t see no riot here.” pic.twitter.com/QQrN2ZuKA7
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Now back on Capitol Hill for another stand off at 11th & Pine @SeattlePD on the line with fewer numbers than last time also up the road protecting East Precinct group here showing no signs of letting up after dark @KIRORadio #seattleprotestcomms pic.twitter.com/0beFQms2YF
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Not as big as I thought. Few dozen or so. pic.twitter.com/17duwHW5ne
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Sizable group coming back to East Precinct. pic.twitter.com/ZP97hXBPHO
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Seattle police headed back to the East Precinct. When they choose to leave some in the crowd scream victory as if they were the reason. pic.twitter.com/R4fs6jWhoH
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Another rest. Not making it easy for Seattle Police. pic.twitter.com/ndvzydzlGZ
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Another arrest in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/5tYoDi4YP6
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Another arrest. pic.twitter.com/DhZH2Efb1l
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
I think SPD is trying to keep the groups small by moving them around. That’s easier to handle than one huge crowd like earlier. They’re successful so far. At least five arrests. pic.twitter.com/vS6GtZ1t4t
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Got separated from everything for a few as I was moving toward Boylston & Pine saw at least 2 arrests in neighborhood, others from riot across street yelling to person being arrested what to say to cops & asking if they could call anyone for them @KIRORadio #seattleriots pic.twitter.com/qGr0FZs9ld
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Bicyclist got too close. pic.twitter.com/ntf6t3TQs3
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Right after that a hard left on Denny, crowd thinks @SeattlePD @KIRORadio #seattleprotests #SeattleRiot pic.twitter.com/5wT19QRTI8
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
More taunting. pic.twitter.com/08SFesYYsS
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Another arrest. Seattle cops taunted on the way back to the precinct. pic.twitter.com/AS0FkCmcBz
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Just got dangerous @SeattlePD line moved very quickly toward large group on Broadway near Denny & everyone started pushing & running through construction restrictions. Nearly trampled coming out right in the middle of it #SeattleRiot #seattleprotests @KIRORadio pic.twitter.com/mnQMYlOYaF
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
They’re moving trash containers to block in police. pic.twitter.com/QDgGrkKpye
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Some big dudes walking by with gas masks as another man yells at the crowd to “surround” the Seattle police. pic.twitter.com/YXOtwXGXqc
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Just went off again here at 11th & Pine couldn’t see what prompted @SeattlePD to move on crowd but their numbers dramatically increased just before @KIRORadio #seattleriots pic.twitter.com/ArjLn880Sy
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Two arrests were just made. pic.twitter.com/hPU1Hv4jDU
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
It’s tense in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/4aESO77Cl8
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Officers have made additional arrests. Crowd continues to throw rocks, bottles and fireworks at officers..
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Arrests made. Got caught up in some pepper spray as I post this. pic.twitter.com/go4MSG0VLo
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Large group gathered at 11th and Pine. Individuals in crowd throwing rocks and bottles. Officers again working to clear the area.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Bit of a meeting of @SeattlePD now, Hearing other groups that broke off earlier are headed back here to 11th/Pine Lots of anger toward Trump, police & major distrust of media w/crowd noting judge ordering local media to turn over video this @KIRORadio #seattleprotests pic.twitter.com/tMubof4hZ1
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Looks like other groups heading back toward 11th/Pine stand-off @KIRORadio https://t.co/H3IQ0oay5k
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Earlier today, at least 1 person breached a fence line @ the East Precinct. Moments later, a device exploded leaving an ~8” hole in the side of the precinct. This was one of several dangerous incidents that led SPD to declare today’s incident a riot. Arson/Bomb dets investigating pic.twitter.com/pGC3kpQzhT
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
More from 11th & Pine stand-off @KIRORadio #Seattle #seattleprotest pic.twitter.com/jBjIzmmhrl
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Here is the line at 11th & Pine @SeattlePD holding lines at on 3 of 4 intersection crossings @KIRORadio #SolidarityWithPortland #seattleprotest #seattle pic.twitter.com/z8x3h1Lblc
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Been quiet here for 30 minutes or so but group of @SeattlePD just rolled up 11th & Olive toward East Precinct perhaps. A crowd of maybe 100 ppl still holding line with other officers at 11th/Pine – way smaller crowd here though @KIRORadio #seattleprotests pic.twitter.com/1PKkepEZHb
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
After a bit of a break, the agitators are descending on East Precinct again. Much smaller group than before. This is an aerial view. pic.twitter.com/90vL7DjbUS
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Agitators in the crowd are very clearly instigating the violence. This is from about an hour ago. pic.twitter.com/atVAbpJ9Gk
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
After the fire was set at the juvenile detention center construction site, one of the many men with umbrellas covered the surveillance camera so cops don’t get access. pic.twitter.com/emSt411bQb
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Lots of blasts on Broadway. Sounds like arrests are forthcoming.
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Update: 16 arrests for assault on officers, obstruction and failure to disperse.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Crowd continuing to throw large rocks, bottles, fireworks and other explosives at officers. pic.twitter.com/3gTGJUonUt
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Sorry for the angle on this one. Fire was set at juvenile detention center in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/goWKE6jbCa
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Some damage done to a Seattle Starbucks. pic.twitter.com/38x54orj6v
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
The peaceful protesters destroyed a Starbucks and a fire was supposedly set. It’s attached to an apartment complex. pic.twitter.com/TOHf7tQNsq
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Was head to Broadway to check but started going off back at Olive & 11th where we are back in stand of. Seems a bunch of smaller groups came together then spread apart again as did @SeattlePD group I’m with all have pig squeaky toys going off @KIRORadio #seattleprotests pic.twitter.com/fNq4IVvhbD
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Seattle. pic.twitter.com/Olx7eLLyT6
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Re: officer injuries — One officer hospitalized with leg injury caused by an explosive. Two other officers treated/returned to duty.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Activists throw items at cops, taunt, get pushed back, then repeat. It’s almost assuredly going to get violent tonight. pic.twitter.com/mFe4wuWhGF
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Seattle right now. This isn’t peaceful. pic.twitter.com/r4eudk9USX
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Multiple stand offs around Cal Anderson Park in the old #chopchaz @SeattlePD will move crowds back then it will hold steady then crowd will push cops backwards over & over #seattleprotest @KIRORadio pic.twitter.com/ldJ3ibckZD
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
It’s barely after 5pm and it’s already bad. Tonight will be insane unfortunately. pic.twitter.com/sj6jkYmPl9
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 26, 2020
Just in: arrest count is now 11. More details as they become available.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Police have made at least 3 arrests and continue to work to disperse large crowd on Capitol Hill. Earlier incident was determined to be a life-safety issue/declared a riot. Individuals continue to throw explosives and fire mortars at police. At least 2 officers have been injured.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Crowd throwing explosives at officer line at 11th and Pine.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Much of crowd had been pushed down to Broadway/Pine area but now it seems the crowd is pushing @SeattlePD back up Pine toward East Precinct. Non stop blast balls & an incredibly strong amount of pepper spray over Cal Anderson Park @KIRORadio #seattleprotests pic.twitter.com/VBRpT2QdZ4
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 26, 2020
Crowd continues to throw/launch mortars and rocks at officers near 11/Pine. Police continue to make arrests and work to clear the area.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Mortars, too.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Crowd continues to throw rocks at officers at Broadway and Pine.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 26, 2020
Report of a burning telephone pole at 11/Pine. Continued reports of broken windows and damage in the area.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
It’s not a peaceful protest in Seattle. The crowd are the aggressors. They set fire to a Starbucks right before this. pic.twitter.com/JVIiCxCPut
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 25, 2020
Large crowd remains at Broadway and Pine Street. Multiple arrests made. Officers continue to work to disperse crowd. Safe exit is to the west.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
Numerous incidents of bottles and balloons filled with liquid being thrown at officers. Police continuing to work to clear the area. Multiple dispersal orders issued. Crowd has not yet dispersed.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
A couple of dozen bike cops holding 11th/Pibe while others in the march are being pushed down Pine by @SeattlePD with blast balls.pepper spray @KIRORadio #seattleprotests pic.twitter.com/Zi5kWCL1Cj
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 25, 2020
Stand off at 11th & Pine w/ blast balls oc spray @KIRORadio #seattleprotesrs pic.twitter.com/RvfxhDcrXG
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 25, 2020
Officers investigating a possible explosive damage to walls of the East Precinct. Also reportedly some sort of explosives being thrown or fired at officers.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
Police have issued dispersal orders and deployed less-lethal munitions to clear the area. Crowd is now moving west on Pine Street.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
With the video this time @KIRORadio https://t.co/nmEFs5KthC pic.twitter.com/O6G6pgaJXt
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 25, 2020
At least one person breached the East Precinct fence line shortly before East Precinct officers noticed smoke in the building lobby.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
Now @SeattlePD defend the East Prenict with blast balls – the real danger new people in this march that started running in a panic nearly took a bunch of others down @KIRORadio #seattleprotests
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 25, 2020
Due to the ongoing damage and public safety risks associated with this incident, SPD is declaring it a riot.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
Now #seattleprotest outside @SeattlePD The East Precinct @KIRORadio pic.twitter.com/w1q7F34nC7
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 25, 2020
Starbucks on 12th near Marion #seattleprotests @KIRORadio pic.twitter.com/grc6887RS5
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 25, 2020
Individuals spray painting on East Precinct at 12th and Pine and attempting to disable cameras and damage fence perimeter around building.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
Reports of demonstrators breaking windows at additional businesses in the 900 block of 12th. Also a fight reportedly in progress at the scene.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
They set fire to two construction trailers at the Juvenile Detention Center. pic.twitter.com/LQWRIESF2L
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 25, 2020
Crowd of thousands moving up 12th after fire set to portable trailer outside new Juvenile Detention Center #seattleprotest @KIRORadio pic.twitter.com/kRmywE2Gco
— Hanna Scott (@HannaKIROFM) July 25, 2020
Group of approximately a dozen people setting fire and causing damage to a portable trailer and construction site at 12/Jefferson. Possible explosions heard on site. Large group in the area. Working to secure access for @SeattleFire
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 25, 2020
Federal forces were reportedly on standby in the city to protect federal buildings as needed.
Mayor Durkan urges protesters not to ‘take bait’ from feds, remain peaceful
On Friday, a federal judge also granted the Seattle Police Department temporary permission to use crowd control tools, blocking an ordinance from the city council that was set to take effect Sunday.
KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott reports Judge Robart stressed that the order was to be very “temporary” as he wants to stay on track to get a report on the impact of the city council’s ordinance from accountability partners on Aug. 15.
On the SPD Blotter, Chief Best wrote that officers would be carrying pepper spray and blast balls with them Saturday, but promised they would not use CS gas.
“In the spirit of offering trust and full transparency, I want to advise you that SPD officers will be carrying pepper spray and blast balls today, as would be typical for events that carry potential to include violence,” Best said. “This is consistent with existing policy and the Court’s order of early this morning. SPD promises the community that we will not deploy CS (tear) gas.”
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