Police: 16 protesters arrested after graffiti, dispersal order, explosives thrown toward officers

SEATTLE — Sixteen protesters were arrested Saturday night after police gave a dispersal order to a group they said caused “extensive property damage to a business” while marching and later had thrown explosives toward officers.

The protest had begun earlier in the day and was quiet for the most part, but later changed when police said a Metro bus was spray-painted with graffiti on Broadway near East Mercer Street.

Police said one person also spray painted a bank.

More graffiti was also found on other businesses near Harvard and Olive streets.

And just after 9 p.m., police gave a dispersal order after they said more property damage was done.

Law enforcement said explosives were thrown toward officers and that’s when multiple arrests were being made.

Just before 9:30 p.m., police said the group of protesters returned to Cal Anderson Park.

Police tweeted that they blocked the 1300 block of 11th Avenue East as officers made additional arrests.

Cox Media Group