City of Seattle warns of potential for violence at May 1 protests
Apr 30, 2012, 5:43 AM | Updated: 6:49 pm
A protest at the Port of Seattle in December turned violent as people used the peaceful protest as an opportunity throw projectiles and incendiary devices at police. (97.3 KIRO FM/file)
(97.3 KIRO FM/file)
The city of Seattle is warning residents that protesters may be planning to use demonstrations around the city on May 1 as an opportunity to commit violence.
The city reports they have found websites, graffiti and posters around the city suggesting violence may be a problem at the events planned for Tuesday.
The websites reportedly instruct people on how to conceal weapons using signs and banners, and how to deal with police officers on horseback.
Several organizations have planned demonstrations on May 1, including an annual May Day March for Immigrant and Worker rights from Judkins Park to downtown Seattle, an Occupy Seattle General Strike, and rallies planned at Westlake Park.
Another march is scheduled to leave the Central District at 5 p.m. and travel along South Jackson Street to Fourth Avenue to the Wells Fargo Building on Third Avenue between Madison and Marion streets.
A protest at the Port of Seattle in December turned violent as people used the peaceful protest as an opportunity throw projectiles and incendiary devices at police.
Police say they will not hesitate to respond to criminal acts and threats to people and property at these May 1 demonstrations.
The protests, which are slated to take place in Seattle as well as in major cities across the country, could cause traffic headaches during afternoon and evening commutes.
