Unapologetic protesters vow continued demonstrations in Seattle over Ferguson decision

Organizers in Seattle vow to continue demonstrations over the Ferguson, Mo. grand jury decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson.

“Until Darren Wilson gets indicted, until everybody’s satisfied, we’re not going to stop,” says 24-year-old Mohawk Kuzma, one of the organizers of Seattle’s “Justice for Mike Brown” movement.

Kuzma and his group led protests that began last Monday following the decision in Ferguson, and were followed by several more including the takeover of Westlake Center and Pacific Place Friday.

Related: Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole responds to police handling of protests

Despite widespread criticism of the protests that caused the early closure of Westlake Center and disrupted the annual tree lighting, Kuzma remains steadfast and unapologetic.

“People need to stop complaining and join us, understand we’re fighting for them, we’re fighting for equality and justice,” he says.

But what about all the families scared or chased out of downtown by the action Friday that saw the protesters square off with police and sent people running as they marched on Pacific Place?

“It’s about starting a conversation, not scaring anyone,” he insists. “They need to have a discussion with their kids about what racial justice or equal justice means to them and have a family discussion about it so they know where we’re coming from.”

Kuzma says his group was not involved with a Capitol Hill gathering Saturday night that saw rocks thrown, windows broken on a Ferrari dealership and police vehicle, and one officer injured. But he refuses to neither condone nor criticize the violence.

“People are going to do what they feel will get justice for Mike Brown. And that’s how those people felt. It doesn’t reflect on the group as a whole,” Kuzma says.

Along a demonstration Monday evening at Westlake Park that moved to Capitol Hill, the group also plans to flood the Seattle City Council meeting Wednesday with protesters and stage another rally Thursday at Westlake Park. He promised to continue doing all he can to disrupt “business as usual.”

“That is our first amendment right. We do need to stand up for racial justice and we do need to stop police brutality and basically SPD needs to respect that and let us make our statement and let us make our point,” he says.

In a statement issued Monday, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said the city will continue to respect the protesters’ rights to demonstrate, but will not tolerate property damage:

“In Seattle in the wake of the Ferguson grand jury decision this past week, we have seen hundreds of peaceful protesters engage in free expression about the critical issue of race and social justice.

“We have also seen what appears to be a familiar band of anarchists exploit these peaceful protests and use them as a platform to do damage and create an atmosphere of fear and chaos.

“The City of Seattle stands ready to facilitate and support individuals who wish to peacefully express their first amendment rights. But we will not tolerate those who would exploit these peaceful protests in order to destroy property and incite violence.

“Over the weekend, many families and young people visited downtown for a special holiday afternoon at Westlake Center – and nearly saw the planned festivities spoiled.

“That cannot happen again, and Chief O’Toole and the Seattle Police Department will ensure that downtown remains safe during protests and during this holiday season.”

In addition to continuing calls for an indictment for Wilson, Kuzma says the group is also pushing the Seattle Police Department to require all officers use body cameras.