Seattle PD shuts down Antifa’s plans for election night CHAZ riot, several arrests made

Seattle police maintained a substantial presence on the ground, preventing Antifa from conducting serious acts of illegal activity in the same neighborhood the militants forcefully seized control of during the 2020 George Floyd riots. Nearly 100 SPD officers followed the group on bikes and cars after they vandalized property and marched unlawfully in the street. Police issued announcements to the group throughout the night over an LRAD speaker and a police helicopter circled the militants demanding the agitators remain lawful over a loudspeaker. At least five arrests were made, police said.

Antifa arrived at Cal Anderson Park around 6 pm dressed in their black bloc militant uniforms. The group was outfitted with helmets, gas masks, goggles, and other riot gear while concealing their identities under black facial coverings. While Antifa gathered prior to the march, police said the militants allegedly committed acts of property damage by graffitiing the park with pro-Palestinian messages and the group's anarchist symbol.

Photos of property damage at Cal Anderson Park. Courtesy: Seattle Police

Antifa had posted an event flier around downtown Seattle a few days prior, encouraging residents in the community to "show their displeasure in the streets" on Election Day. The group advised supporters to wear black bloc and "bring a crew" to protest former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, adding that a victory for either candidate "is a win for genocide abroad and a militarized police state at home."

Immediately after the march began, Seattle police swooped in to make several targeted arrests outside the SPD East Precinct and gave official orders to Antifa, demanding they leave the road. The first group of arrested individuals allegedly committed property damage at the park, police said. The incident escalated when the extremist group refused to exit the road, resulting in additional arrests. Under Washington state law, it is illegal to protest in the street if authorities declare the group is infringing on the rights or safety of others.

Antifa regrouped following the first round of arrests and committed further acts of property damage while marching along 13th Ave and Pine St. Seattle Police proceeded to trail the group and informed the militants over the LRAD speaker that, while the department respects First Amendment rights, it will not accept criminal behavior. Officers then moved in to make another targeted arrest.

"Our intent here is to get back to a normal First Amendment event without criminal activity," SPD said over the LRAD. "The only way we're going to interfere is if criminal acts are committed, or if you interfere with the police taking action. Our purpose here is to make sure that this is a safe event for everybody and to keep the streets clear."

During the arrest, several members of Antifa hurled threats at officers, including calls for them to be killed. "This f*cking neighborhood would kill you if we had the chance," one militant said. "Get the f*ck out of here, pigs! Go f*cking die."

This arrest resulted in Antifa reconvening at Cal Anderson Park around 7:30 pm, where the militants chose to disperse for the evening after their initial group of around 30 to 40 black bloc members had dwindled to about a dozen.