13 arrested during Seattle protests sparked by Breonna Taylor decision

SEATTLE — Seattle police arrested 13 people Wednesday night during protests downtown where officers said fires were set, explosives were thrown, property was damaged and multiple officers were hurt.

Earlier in the evening, people gathered in the rain for a peaceful protest at Westlake Center in response to a Kentucky grand jury’s decision not to indict police officers on criminal charges directly related to the death of Breonna Taylor.

Demonstrators chanted peacefully and had signs that read, “Justice for Breonna.”

KIRO 7 spotted another group marching in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood, where police made some arrests. A Starbucks was damaged in that neighborhood.

At about 10 p.m., Seattle police said they arrested six people. Five people were arrested for “obstructing or rendering criminal assistance,” and one was arrested for an assault on an officer.

Later in the evening, another group of protesters moved up to the Capitol Hill neighborhood, where one of KIRO 7′s photographers said dozens had gathered near the East Precinct.

About 10:45 p.m., police said protesters started throwing fireworks at the precinct and nearly struck officers. A few minutes later, wires that powered the security cameras to the precinct were cut.

When officers tried to arrest the person who threw the explosive, they were attacked with bottles and rocks, according to the police department. Officers used pepper spray and blast balls.

The group of protesters again moved through the streets, setting dumpsters on fire and throwing explosives at officers.

“In total, officers arrested 13 individuals for charges ranging from property destruction, resisting arrest and failure to disperse as well as assault on an officer,” a Seattle Police Department blotter post said.

Multiple officers were hurt, including one who was struck in the head with a baseball bat, cracking his helmet.

Cox Media Group