What began as a peaceful May Day protest in Seattle, which mixed demonstrators calling for workers' rights and an end to police brutality, spun out of control as police and protesters clashed as authorities deployed firebangs and pepper spray.
People on the streets smashed store windows, damaged more than two dozen vehicles, turned over dumpsters, set fires and seriously injured at least three officers near Seattle Central College, who were transported to a nearby hospital, according to police. One had a dislocated shoulder, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said, according to a local Fox affiliate. Another officer sustained a burn injury. Protesters were hurt in scuffles, as well, personal reports on social media show.
"This is no longer demonstration management, this has turned into a riot," Seattle Police Capt. Chris Fowler said, according to the Seattle Police Department's Twitter account.
Explosive device thrown at officers at Melrose and Olive. #MayDaySea— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) May 2, 2015
Crowd throwing wrenches and rocks at officers at Broadway and Howell. Officers responding w/pepper spray and pepper balls. #MayDaySea— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) May 2, 2015
Group continues to set fires on @SeattleCentral college campus. #MayDaySea— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) May 01 2015
Thousands of people took part in several protests throughout the day organized by various groups, including El Comite, a pro-labor organization, and Black Lives Matter, but the marches seemingly warped into a riot after an anti-capitalist and anarchist rally attended by hundreds began near the college, according to news reports.
Pepper spray flash bangs craziness. Police took back the street #MayDaySea #Video — Lauren Frohne (@laurenfrohne) May 01 2015
Breaking windows of QFC #MayDaySea #Video pic.twitter.com/oI7kllLK6T— Lauren Frohne (@laurenfrohne) May 2, 2015
Murray told residents in the Capital Hill neighborhood, where much of the violence was concentrated, to take precautions.
"As we continue to witness acts of violence from protesters, we urge folks on Capitol Hill to exercise caution," Murray said in a statement. "Seattle Police are advising that businesses on Broadway and other Capitol Hill streets should take reasonable precautions to protect their employees and customers. Police will continue to work to protect people and property in the area, and will make arrests when necessary."
Anarchists light a flag and spray paint the silver sculpture outside Seattle Central #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/TfA6CVtvNr— Bettina Hansen (@bettinahansen) May 2, 2015
At least 15 arrests were made during the commotion, according to Seattle police.
While some were focused on destruction, others tried to maintain order and police themselves.
Important: some protesters helped pick up a dumpster others upturned at Melrose, Yale. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/tOfBZ4aLSR— Lindsey Wasson (@lindseywasson) May 2, 2015
"I'm just trying to protect this park." Man stood in front of sculpture to prevent it from being sprayed. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/ojzxYGl6h7— Evan Bush (@evanbush) May 2, 2015
The violent confrontations in Seattle come as people across the country--from New York to Portland to Philadelphia--continue to rally for justice for Freddie Gray, a black man who died after sustaining spinal injuries while in police custody last month.
On Friday morning, Baltimore's top prosecutor announced that the six officers involved in Gray's arrest were being charged with a range of offenses from misconduct in office to false imprisonment to manslaughter.
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UPDATED 10:10 p.m. PT to include arrest figures.