Three arrested after destructive march in Seattle

Three people were arrested for vandalizing several businesses during a demonstration in Seattle Wednesday night, including the iconic Starbucks in Pike Place Market. 

The march started around 5 p.m. when a large group of people marched through downtown Seattle, smashing windows, of many local businesses. The march was held to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Damages to the Starbucks at Pikes Place Market in Seattle. Photo courtesy: Seattle Police Department.

One arrest was made for property damages, and one female from the group was arrested for an assault near 2nd Ave. and Cherry St, according to Seattle Police. Around 8 p.m., SPD says one man was arrested for property damages near Pike Place Market. 

SPD says multiple sites were vandalized and some windows were smashed at the William Kenzo Nakamura Courthouse on 6th Ave and Spring St. 

All three suspects were booked into the King County Jail, SPD said in a blotter statement. On Thursday, one suspect appeared in a court, and was released without bond.

Jon Scholes, the President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association responded to the destructive protest, denouncing the violence.

"Every elected official in the city of Seattle should denounce this today, and there's no place for this in our city. President Biden said we needed to end our countries on civil war yesterday, and in a few hours later, Seattle's own version of its own uncivil war raged on," said Scholes. "We need to come together as a city and marginalized these extremists that really have no agenda. This isn't about democracy or the exchange of ideas or trying to make our city better. (The protesters) are hell-bent on destroying it."

In a statement sent to Q13 News from Mayor Jenny Durkan's office, Durkan denounces violent threats, vandalism, and hate speech. Her office said she’s consistently denounced individuals targeting small businesses and government facilities.

The statement says Seattle Police has done the appropriate thing by arresting anyone engaging in destructive acts. Her office says she and Seattle police held meetings last week with many of the small businesses that have been impacted by property destruction.