May Day march turns violent in Seattle
- 11 years ago
Tension rises on the streets of Seattle on Wednesday, as a May Day rally turns violent.
The demonstration had begun peacefully, but ended with police firing flash-bang grenades and pepper spray to disperse crowds.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN:
"I just got hit in the leg with a firework. I'm just trying to go home. You won't even let me through."
Authorities say eight police officers were injured in the fighting, and 18 protesters were arrested.
Seattle's May Day rally was one of several held across the western U.S. planned by a coalition of labour activists, students and civil rights advocates in support of immigrant rights.
The demonstration had begun peacefully, but ended with police firing flash-bang grenades and pepper spray to disperse crowds.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN:
"I just got hit in the leg with a firework. I'm just trying to go home. You won't even let me through."
Authorities say eight police officers were injured in the fighting, and 18 protesters were arrested.
Seattle's May Day rally was one of several held across the western U.S. planned by a coalition of labour activists, students and civil rights advocates in support of immigrant rights.