Nine people were arrested after windows were broken, and protesters lit fireworks, and threw rocks, flares and several Molotov cocktails at police officers.
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The anti-capitalist disorder followed a peaceful march earlier in the day by advocates for workers and immigrants – one of several nationwide events Sunday calling for better wages for workers and work permits for undocumented migrants.
Police reported some demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails, although it wasn’t immediately clear whether any of the incendiary devices ignited. Another officer was bitten, police reported.
About 7 p.m., the bulk of the marchers double-backed, heading south along Second Avenue into downtown, where a flurry of clashes erupted near Second Avenue and Pike Street.
After the protest, police Chief Kathleen O’Toole visited two cops who were hospitalized and said “both were in pain”. “Thankfully there were no serious injuries”.
May Day is pagan festival to celebrate the arrival of Spring, but then was declared “International Workers’ Day” by the International Socialist Conference following the violent protests in Chicago’s Haymarket Square in 1886.
Seattle Police escorted the marchers for the permitted parade. The charges included obstruction, assault and property destruction.
May 1 is celebrated in many countries as International Workers Day.
Some downtown businesses had earlier boarded up storefronts, anticipating violence. There was also a concert at Seattle’s Westlake Park.
Immigrants, union members, workers and activists participated in the rally.
Grant Hindsley/AP A person reacts after being pepper sprayed during an anti-capitalism protest.
The city is known for having particularly unruly May Days in recent years, but the observance is recognized around the globe. Last year, police reportedly arrested 16 people during demonstrations and in 2014, 10 people were arrested. A Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman said no arrests were made and there were no reports of violence, Reuters reported.
Thousands are expected to rally in cities across the United States for immigrant and worker rights and against what they see as hateful presidential campaign rhetoric.
DAVID RYDER/REUTERS Police detain a protester during anti-capitalist protests following May Day marches in Seattle.
Hundreds of people marched through Seattle’s Central District and downtown as part of May Day festivities to support immigrants and workers.
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Social justice advocates in Durham, New Hampshire, said they would make the rejection of racism, xenophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment the themes of their annual rally.
