White supremacists fail to show, protesters turn on Seattle

A large crowd of protesters gathered on Seattle’s Capitol Hill Sunday evening, brought together under the mantra of “Defend Seattle.”

But when their opposition never showed &#8212 a rally of white supremacists and self-described skinheads &#8212 protesters left marks on buildings and cars on Capitol Hill.

When word of a white supremacist’s concert in Ballard broke in mid-November, the region’s anarchists, antifa (anti-facists) and Socialists groups began organizing a demonstration of opposition on Capitol Hill. Initial reports indicated that white supremacists planned to march through the area and even burn a cross following the concert.

There were reports that between 100-600 people showed up at Cal Anderson Park to oppose the white supremacists who never showed. In the rain, however, the protesters marched through Capitol Hill, blocking traffic, with banners that stated “Smash White Supremacy,” and “United Against Fascism.”

Seattle police reported no arrests were made, however, there was graffiti and property damage left in the wake of the Defend Seattle demonstrators.

Buildings were left with graffiti sprayed on walls and windows. A bat was thrown at a news camera. A news van was also vandalized &#8212 its windshield and windows smashed, and sides were spray-painted with graffiti. One side of the van was spray-painted with “Anti-Semite,” and the other side held a disparaging comment toward the news using profanity.

—Original story—

White supremacists could march through Ballard this weekend. Other demonstrators known to Seattle are taking note, and planning to counter.

A post on the website Stormfront, a white supremacist forum, featured a flier for an event called “Martyrs Day,” slated for Dec. 6. The post was reportedly written on Nov. 18. It has since been removed, but not before local anarchists noticed, and put a call out for their own counter demonstration.

Related: Neo Nazis gather in Olympia after officer-involved shooting

The Stormfront post mentions that the Dec. 6 event in Ballard will feature five white power bands, and that 300 people are expected to attend. It does not disclose the exact location of the event, but says it will be announced closer to the date. It does mention that after the bands perform there will be a “traditional cross burning,” and then a march through Capitol Hill in opposition of liberals, anarchists and other groups the white supremacists protests.

The Seattle Police Department is aware of the rumored event and is monitoring the situation, according to a police department spokesperson. The FBI is also aware of the online post. It has no intentions of investigating or interfering with issue as it is a matter of free speech with no indications of criminal activity, according to FBI spokesperson Ayn Dietrich-Williams.

While law enforcement is aware of the event, the only indication it is planned remains on online message boards, as the original Stormfront post has been removed. There is some speculation as to whether it will actually occur, such as on a Reddit thread for anarchists who are taking note of the Ballard event. While some commenters doubt the white supremacists will show up, others are calling for anarchists to meet on Dec. 6 at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill at 5 p.m. to form an opposition demonstration.

Other organizations have put out notices that they are joining the opposition demonstration at Cal Anderson Park, such as Freedom Socialist Party and the Rose City Antifa &#8212 an anti-fascist group from Portland. An online post for the Freedom Socialist Party asks people to gather at East Howell Street and Nagle Place on the western side of the park.

The original Stormfront post notes the involvement of the Northwestern Hammerskins, a chapter of the Hammerskin Nation, a white supremacist organization and self-described skinheads, with chapters throughout the United States.

The post also states that the event is part of Martyr’s Day &#8212 a day usually celebrated in early December by white supremacists.

MyNortwest’s Richard Oxley contributed to this report.