Seattle radio host Jason Rantz reported that the Seattle Police Department confirmed rioters probably used “quick-dry concrete to seal shut the door to the East Precinct.”
Another rioter tied to set the building on fire.
Rantz wrote that the ATF has become involved in the investigation:
As some in the crowd vandalized the building and tormented police, others brought quick dry cement to seal police officers inside the building.The criminals at the 12th street entrance reportedly mixed what is suspected to be cement mix and water in a bucket with a wooden stick before applying it to the door. Photos show the criminals also destroyed the electronic key card off the door, presumably to stop people from getting inside the building.On the East Pine Street side of the East Precinct, the criminals started a fire. The intent appeared to be to burn the building with the officers inside.
A source told Rantz that police officers kicked down the door to escape. The rioters “may have used too much water in the cement mixture.”
The police arrested one suspect following a manic Monday, which included numerous incidents of vandalism:
Police began monitoring a protest that marched from Cal Anderson Park just after 9 PM Monday. The group made their way to the West Precinct where some individuals began hurling objects at the building causing minor damage and broken windows as well as painting graffiti on the walls. A nearby coffee shop also sustained some damage as some people smashed the plate glass windows.The group then made their way back east and continued to protest outside the East Precinct. Some individuals there climbed over a chain-link fence and set a fire next to the building. Police moved in and began issuing commands for the crowd to disperse and took one person into custody for investigation of arson.
Seattle has witnessed many incidents since the death of George Floyd in late May. It’s not many people in these riots, but it’s enough to ruin a city.
Rioters vandalized the statue of former Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who committed suicide a few years ago. Someone threw white paint all over the statue, which sits in front of the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle.
Andrea and Joe Raetzer told The Daily Caller they had to close their business Steepologie Teas over safety concerns:
“We were putting all of our resources into this business, we are not funded by anyone else, everything put into the business came out of our pocket,” Andrea told the Daily Caller. “This hurts, but it was absolutely necessary to take a stand and say we can no longer be put at risk nor can our team members.”The lack of police presence and the recent uptick in crime in the downtown area will push many more businesses out of the area, the Raetzer’s told the Caller.
[Featured image via Seattle Police Department]
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