Seattle Protests Planned Over George Floyd Killing

SEATTLE, WA — Two protests are planned in downtown Seattle on Saturday, rallying against the recent killing of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis. Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died Monday after Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for several minutes as he pleaded for air.

Video of Floyd's death sparked protests throughout Minneapolis, including setting fire to a police precinct Thursday night. The killing has garnered widespread condemnation through the country, including in Washington, where Seattle police chief Carmen Best called Floyd's death a "tragic murder," and said the officers' actions were "upsetting, disappointing, and infuriating."

All four officers who participated in the arrest were fired Tuesday. Officer Chauvin was arrested Friday and faces charges of third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Rallies planned in Seattle on Saturday

In Seattle, a March for Justice event, organized by Justice for George Floyd, is scheduled to begin at noon outside Seattle Police Department headquarters, located at 610 5th Avenue.

Later in the afternoon, a second protest is planned at Westlake Park, organized by Not This Time. According to an event page, the "Defiant Walk of Resistance Against Injustice" will mourn the loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

Taylor, an emergency medical technician, was shot eight times by officers in Louisville, Ky. during a police raid in March. Arbery was killed in February while jogging near Brunswick, Ga. Two white men were arrested on suspicion of murder in May, following public outcry after video of the shooting was released.

According to the Seattle Times, the event will begin with a rally at Westlake Center before the group walks to the U.S. District Court at 700 Stewart Street. Organizers ask that participants wear face coverings and gloves.

Police clash with protesters Friday night

Videos and images posted on social media Friday evening showed Seattle police engaging protesters downtown. The Seattle Times reported a gathering began around 7 p.m. in the International District, and police later deployed flash-bang devices and used pepper spray. Photos posted online by local reporters showed a broken window at an Amazon Go store near 5th Avenue and Marion Street.

The Seattle Fire Department posted a notice on Twitter recommending all downtown businesses secure open areas and remove combustible materials. Another social media post showed officers setting up a barricade near the police department's east precinct on Capitol Hill.