Tacoma, Washington, became the latest city in the Pacific Northwest to fall victim to riots over the weekend as left-wing activists took to the streets, leaving parts of its downtown in flames.
Those who attended the demonstrations said tensions escalated on Sunday due to a police officer who drove through a crowd of protesters the night before, injuring at least two people.
The officer, who has not been publicly identified, said the incident happened after he was responding to a call and was worried about his safety as activists started approaching his car. He has since been placed on administrative leave, and the city is investigating what it called a use of lethal force.
“Fearing for his safety,” a release from the Tacoma Police Department said, “the officer drove forward striking one individual and may have impacted others” while trying to get out of the “unsafe position.” Following his exit, the officer called for an ambulance, the authorities said.
Victoria Woodards, the mayor of Tacoma, pledged a thorough investigation of the incident.
“While we await more information, I want the community to know that I am deeply concerned and praying for everyone who was impacted by last night’s events,” Woodards said. “I continue to be proud of Tacoma’s long-standing reputation as a place of strong, non-violent advocacy and activism.”
Those who attended the protest told local news outlets that they intend on continuing their demonstrations until their demands of significant police reforms are met. The city’s sheriff said law enforcement would crack down on any extremists.
“The bar is low for arresting people tonight,” said Sheriff Ed Troyer. “We don’t want people or officers injured. If we take out the main instigators ruining it for everyone else, it will ensure that it stays peaceful.”
No arrests were made in the midst of the unrest, which saw storefronts vandalized and garbage cans lit on fire as 100 protesters swarmed the seats and blocked roads. Prior to the demonstration, however, authorities said they arrested two individuals trying to enter a rooftop near the initial meeting ground for protesters.
After a 911 call, officers arrested one man with a handgun and a woman carrying double-bladed knives with batons. A third suspect fled the scene.
Crowds eventually approached several government buildings, including a local law enforcement outpost. Seven employees were forced to evacuate as two police cars were later vandalized. Chants of “free them all” could be heard outside the Pierce County Jail.
“I send my thoughts to anyone who was injured in tonight’s event and am committed to our Department’s full cooperation in the independent investigation and to assess the actions of the department’s response during the incident,” said interim Police Chief Mike Ake.
The initial protests appeared to be sparked by the death of Manuel Ellis, a 33-year-old black man who died in police custody in March. A coroner’s report concluded his death was due to hypoxia as an officer restrained him during his arrest. No disciplinary action has been taken against the officers involved in Ellis’s arrest despite an order from the mayor to the city manager.
Washington state has long been a hotbed for left-wing violence, in particular Seattle. Antifa activists held Inauguration Day protests and demanded a number of radical measures, including the abolition of ICE.
Three individuals were eventually arrested as local business leaders demanded elected officials take a stronger position against the demonstrations.
“Last night’s violence and destruction in downtown has no place in our city or democracy,” said a joint statement from the local chamber of commerce and the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority. “Every Seattle elected official should immediately denounce these extremists.”
Last September, President Biden disavowed all political violence.
