Seattle Federal Building locked down for hours after Gaza ceasefire demonstrators block entrances

SEATTLE — Demonstrators calling for a ceasefire in Gaza blocked the doors at the downtown Seattle Federal Building Friday morning.

They gathered at around 8 a.m. and put themselves in front of doors at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building, at 915 Second Avenue.

When our news crew arrived, close to 200 people had filled the plaza on Second Avenue leading into the building.

In the latter part of the morning, they were joined by dozens more.

One of the groups involved in the demonstration was Jewish Voices for Peace.

They want Sen. Patty Murray to push harder to make a ceasefire happen as the Israeli-Hamas war rages.

Several people spoke to us about why they decided to take action on Friday.

“There’s nothing less Jewish than creating millions of refugees then killing thousands and thousands of people. We know this is not part of our religion,” said Michelle Grant.

“The response has been silence from Patty Murray and then she also released a statement saying Israel’s actions were justified,” said Oliver Brickman.

“It is our duty, our responsibility, our obligation to make sure this does not continue,” said Reverend Shelly Fayette with Christ Episcopal Church.

The crowd had mostly dispersed by around 10 a.m.

Israel’s prime minister said there would be no ceasefire in the nearly month-old war until Hamas releases hostages.

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Ceasefire in Gaza demonstrators gather outside Federal Building Demonstrators gathered outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. (KIRO 7 News)

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