MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Washington state senator seeks to criminalize ‘illegal’ protests

Nov 17, 2016, 5:51 AM

Republican State Senator Doug Ericksen is proposing a new law to punish what he calls “economic terrorism.”

Ericksen’s office wrote in a news release that “Washington needs to take a firm stand against illegal protests that block transportation and commerce, cause property damage, threaten jobs and put public safety at risk.”

Related: Protesting, Sawant’s message does more harm than good

His proposal comes after thousands in Washington protested the election of Donald Trump to the presidency. And after Seattle City Council Member Kshama Sawant called for a nationwide shutdown on presidential inauguration day in January.

Related: Sawant: It’s our duty to call for peaceful and powerful protests

Ericksen served as the deputy director of the Trump campaign in our state.

His plan would create a Class C felony that applies to those who protest illegally and the people who “fund, organize and sponsor” those protests.

“I respect the right to protest, but when it endangers people’s lives and property, it goes too far,” Ericksen said. “Fear, intimidation and vandalism are not a legitimate form of political expression. Those who employ it must be called to account.”

MyNorthwest News

Photo: Lewis and Clark High School students thought quickly to save their track coach's life....

Julia Dallas

Spokane high school students save track coach’s life after his heart stops

Two Spokane high school students used their quick thinking and past training to save their track coach's life last week.

1 hour ago

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

13 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

14 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

16 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

16 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

17 hours ago

Washington state senator seeks to criminalize ‘illegal’ protests