UPDATE 8/17: A total of six officers were injured in Sunday’s riot. One officer was hospitalized and has since been released, but has not returned to duty.
Body cam and open source video from the evening show the types of explosives used to injure officers during the riot.
Originally posted 8/16
Several officers were injured and eighteen people were arrested Sunday night when a riot was declared during an anti-police union demonstration in SODO.
The anti-police union march began in the International District around 7:00 PM. There were approximately 100 individuals accompanied by vehicles following behind.
The group moved toward the Seattle Police Officer Guild building in the 2900 block of 4th Avenue South.
Shortly after 10:00 PM, someone in the crowd set off a large explosive and attempted to break out a police vehicle window.
The incident commander issued an order to disperse to the crowd at that time.
Individuals in the crowd began throwing rocks and bottles at officers. Multiple explosives were thrown toward officers.
Officers moved the crowd northbound on 4th Avenue South.
Several officers were struck by explosives and injured.
Additional police resources were called for to respond to 4th Avenue South.
Seattle Fire Department responded to treat the injured officers.
The incident commander declared the incident a riot. Officers used OC spray and blast balls to the stop the assault on officers. The crowd moved northbound, eventually dispersing.
A total of eighteen individuals were arrested. They were later booked into the King County Jail.
At least three officers were injured. One of the injured officers was hospitalized.
This remains an active investigation, and more information will be available later.
