SEATTLE — Demonstrators marched to Terminal 5 Monday morning, protesting against Shell Oil operations after the Polar Pioneer oil rig arrived in Elliott Bay on Thursday.
Quick Facts:
- More than 900 protesters said they would participate, about 150-200 showed up
- Protesters will try to block Terminal 5 workers
- Seattle councilwoman Kshama Sawant joined protest
- Flotilla of kayaks surrounded oil rig on Saturday
More than 900 people on Facebook said they would take part in the environmental protest. After the group gathered at the Duwamish Fishing Dock on Harbor Island at 7 a.m. Monday, about 200 people, including Seattle City councilwoman Kshama Sawant, marched across the Spokane Street Bridge to Terminal 5. They chanted at the gates of Terminal 5 and held signs saying "Climate Justice For All" and "You Shell Not Pass."
Lining the road besides them are about 100 Seattle Police officers, keeping a close eye.
Organizers say their intention is to shut down work at Terminal 5, but Port of Seattle spokesperson Peter McGraw countered that.
"(Terminal) 18, which was close to where protesers are gathered this morning, had closed their gates so they're not operating, but (Terminal) 5 continues to work," said McGraw.
The Port of Seattle said most workers anticipated the protest.
The protests are the latest that started when the Shell Oil rig, the Polar Pioneer, showed up in Elliot Bay on Thursday.
On Saturday, a flotilla of kayaks surrounded the rig.
Activists say the drilling could lead to oil spills, while Shell has said more than 400 people will be employed by the jobs created.
Protesters said their plans are to disrupt Shell Oil operations at Terminal 5. They told KIRO 7 over the weekend this is only the beginning.
“For everybody here, this feels like a moral decision, a moral choice,” said Florence Caplow of Port Townsend.
“I think it sends a message to people that we've got to start thinking seriously about this and draw the line somewhere,” said Seattle man Tony Case.
The protests when the rig arrived and over the weekend were peaceful.
KIRO
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