4 face judge after chaotic protest, standoff at UW ends in 31 arrests

Four people appeared in court Tuesday after more than 30 people were arrested Monday night following a prolonged standoff between protesters and law enforcement at the University of Washington’s Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB).

The occupation began on the night of May 5, when around 75 people seized the IEB building, according to court documents. They triggered a lockdown as multiple law enforcement agencies responded. Many of the protesters barricaded the entrances, using materials found both inside and outside the building while refusing orders to leave.

The group vandalized property and started a dumpster fire, according to independent journalists on the ground, while Seattle police officers have ordered their dispersal.

4 people appear in court after protest at UW building

A probable cause affidavit filed by UWPD Officer C. Brandt stated the protest “prevented safe access to the IEB and disrupted university operations.” Brandt wrote that despite attempted dialogue, law enforcement was “forced to proceed with arrests.”

Among the 32 arrested for first-degree criminal trespass were Sam Sueoka, 29; Finn Oliver Brown, 23; Lucas Nichols-McAuslan; and Geneveve K. Konijisky, 20. Police reports confirm none of the arrestees were armed or intoxicated. Those arrested were booked into King County Jail overnight.

In court Tuesday morning, a judge found probable cause for the first four arrests and ordered each defendant to stay out of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building unless attending or teaching class. It remains unclear whether the university will discipline any students involved.

Attorney General Nick Brown issued the following statement about protests:

“Our office has been closely monitoring the disturbing events at the University of Washington this week, in consultation with our client, the University. It is clear that there was substantial damage to public property and threats to the overall safety of the university community,” Brown said. “I am thankful that those responsible were arrested and, if found guilty, should be held accountable.”

What was the reason for the protest?

SUPER UW said it launched the takeover to make the UW sever its ties with Boeing, as the war in Gaza continues. The organization wants the university to stop receiving any funding or donations from Boeing.

Boeing donated approximately $10 million for the construction of the $90 million new engineering building. The UW has previously stated that its relationship with Boeing dates back “more than a century.”

“Return any existing donations, financial investments, and eliminate all other material ties to Boeing,” SUPER UW stated. “Prohibit Boeing executives and employees from teaching classes or having any influence over curriculum.”

Boeing, in addition to being one of the premier airplane manufacturers in the world, is one of the largest defense companies in the U.S.

The Jewish Alumni organization stated that the people hung a banner on the building in an effort to rename it for a man killed last year by an airstrike. A photo posted on X shows the banner along with one person holding a Palestinian flag.

UW Campus of Community Safety Vice President Sally Clark attempted to speak with demonstrators but was turned away. After multiple warnings, officers from the University of Washington Police Department, the Seattle Police Department, and Washington State Patrol entered the building around 8:48 p.m.

WA Senate Republican leader issues statement

Senate Republican Leader John Braun (R-Centralia) issued a statement in reaction to the event at the UW, calling it “violent.”

“Violent antisemitic protests intended to intimidate Jewish students and University officials are troubling and unacceptable,” he wrote. “Yesterday’s protesters, reportedly affiliated with the group Super UW, not only disrupted campus operations but also engaged in dangerous activities, including setting dumpsters on fire and barricading entrances, creating a hazardous environment for students and staff. Americans have the right to protest peacefully, but not to threaten people, behave violently or destroy property. That’s not constitutionally-protected protesting–it’s mob intimidation.”

Braun also stated that the UW will “have another opportunity to demonstrate its opposition to violence” when Riley Gaines, a conservative political activist focusing on women’s sports, is set to speak at the UW Tuesday night.

Contributing: Juila Dallas, MyNorthwest

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