Seattle police declare riot after insurgents set fire to construction site

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Seattle police declare riot after protesters set fire to construction site

'Due to the ongoing damage and public safety risks associated with this incident, SPD is declaring it a riot'



The Seattle Police Department (SPD) tweeted about the incident and provided pictures of the scene along with additional details.

"Group of approximately a dozen people setting fire and causing damage to a portable trailer and construction site at 12/Jefferson. Possible explosions heard on site. Large group in the area. Working to secure access for," the Twitter thread began.

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The incident comes as a new law was set to take effect in Seattle on Sunday that “bans Seattle Police officers the use of less-lethal tools, including pepper spray that is commonly used to disperse crowds that have turned violent,” police Chief Carmen Best said in a statement. It would also have prohibited the use of anti-riot gear.

“Simply put," Best added, "the legislation gives officers NO ability to safely intercede to preserve property in the midst of a large, violent crowd."

U.S. District Judge James Robart on Friday granted a request by the federal government to block the measure, the Seattle Times reported.

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