SPD preparing for May Day protests Sunday

On Sunday, anti-capitalists will be among those marching in Seattle as part of the annual May Day protests. Police expect there to be the usual peaceful demonstrations, but are preparing for possible violence.

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Last year, police confined the protests primarily to Capitol Hill. But this year, the anti-capitalist group plans to gather at Westlake Park, where in the past, protests have spilled into the streets.

For real-time updates on Sunday, click here.

A source tells KIRO 7 that Seattle police plan to ramp up their presence by 30 percent over last year.

Businesses downtown and on Capitol Hill are getting ready.

Local officials are recommending taking away signs outside your store that protestors could use as a projectile.

KIRO 7 spoke to Capitol Hill business owner Hyong Kim, whose neighbors had their businesses damaged last year.

“It’s nerve-wracking. Can’t sleep, you know, broken windows – it’s not cheap to replace these windows,” said Hyong.

The Facebook page for the group says protests are planned to start at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, people should expect major traffic congestion in and around the downtown Seattle core.

A large crowd will be winding its way through the Central District and downtown Seattle during the afternoon and evening as part of the annual El Comité May Day March for Worker and Immigrant Rights.

And the Solidarity Music Festival is scheduled to take place at Westlake Park from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Seattle police said a large number of uniformed officers will be present at Sunday’s rallies to direct traffic and respond to any illegal behavior.

It’s possible that fewer people will attend protests with the closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and because May Day falls on a Sunday.

But KIRO 7 will be ready to break into programming on air and have updates on our digital platforms if traffic is disrupted.

Cox Media Group