On Saturday, July 25th there was a large demonstration that took place on Capitol Hill. Individuals among the crowd set several trailers at a construction site on fire, and damaged numerous cars in the parking lot at 12th Avenue and Alder Street. Damage to several businesses occurred as the crowd moved north toward the East Precinct.
At approximately 4:25 PM officers observed a van following the protestors as they marched northbound on 12th Avenue. The van then stopped outside of the East Precinct. The van was abandoned in the street, facing northbound, in the southbound lane. At about the same time explosions occurred outside the precinct. Individuals in the crowd threw explosives at officers. One explosion occurred along the north wall of the precinct (on Pine Street), which blew a hole in the wall of the building.
A witness reported to Seattle Police that the same van was observed earlier in the day on Broadway with the rear doors open and people standing around it. The witness reported observing what appeared to be improvised shields, gas masks, baseball bats and a large assortment of pyrotechnic explosives inside the van.
Arson/Bomb detectives responded to the East Precinct immediately following the explosions. Because of where the vehicle was parked, and how it was abandoned, detectives were concerned the vehicle could contain additional explosives that might detonate. Once it was determined to be safe, the van was impounded.
Detectives applied for and obtained a search warrant and search the van. Detectives located firework pyrotechnics, bear mace, improvised spike strips and nails. In addition, detectives also located gas masks, shin guards/helmets and other body armor, homemade shields and other items. These are just a few of the items found during the search.
This remains an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Seattle Police Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.