Seattle police successfully disrupted an Antifa protest near the former CHAZ area on Election Night, arresting several individuals and ensuring the protest did not escalate into chaos. Antifa members had gathered at Cal Anderson Park around 6 p.m., wearing black bloc uniforms and riot gear, prepared for a night of demonstrations.
The protesters, who had publicized the event days earlier, allegedly began by vandalizing parts of the park, spray-painting pro-Palestinian messages and anarchist symbols. Seattle police kept a close watch on the group, trailing them through the neighborhood as they marched, blocking streets and defying police instructions.
This is the way.
Do not give them an inch.
Seattle Police trailed Antifa as they gathered in the CHAZ area for a planned election night riot.
The officers responded as soon as the group became criminal, setting an early night precedence that rioting would not be tolerated. pic.twitter.com/iiBVvykVQs
— police.law.news (@policelawnews) November 6, 2024
Throughout the night, Seattle police used loudspeakers to remind protesters to keep the demonstration lawful, but when the group refused to clear the roads, officers moved in to make arrests. Police emphasized that their presence was to protect First Amendment rights, but they would not tolerate criminal activity.
Five protesters were arrested on charges that included property damage and obstruction. As police detained individuals, some protesters shouted hostile threats toward officers, heightening tensions briefly before the situation de-escalated.
🚨 BREAKING: Antifa attempted to start a riot in the US, patriot officers arrest & educate them.
Have fun in prison. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Z17t4zyEis
— Inevitable West (@Inevitablewest) November 6, 2024
By 7:30 p.m., the remaining protesters returned to Cal Anderson Park and disbanded for the night. Seattle police maintained a strong presence, preventing further disturbances and restoring order in the Capitol Hill area.
