Thread by @ByMikeBaker

I have shifted up to Seattle today to follow a large demonstration that's in solidarity with Portland.

I'd estimate a crowd of 2,000 already. They just torched construction buildings at the site of a new youth detention center.

Meanwhile, feds are here nytimes.com/2020/07/23/us/…

Moving through the Capitol Hill, hitting a Starbucks. Smoke is coming out the window and people are now calling for the residents above to evacuate.

These workers at a bar/restaurant say some in the crowd attacked and punched them after accusing one of them of taking images of the crowd.

The police have shown up, using flash-bangs and pepper spray.

Direct clashes here between protesters and police.

As far as I can see, they are all local cops.

Standoff

Police advance and make an arrest

We are back at the site of the zone formerly known as CHOP, formerly known as CHAZ.

The police department has said that due to restrictions on their use of tear gas, the officers would have to use batons more to control crowds. They've got them ready.

16 arrests so far in Seattle. I haven't seen any federal officers at this point, and the protests have been away from federal buildings.

Our developing story:

nytimes.com/2020/07/25/us/… w/ @HallieGolden4

Huge escalation as police push protesters back. Injuries and people thrown to the ground.

The woman struck by flash grenade is bleeding in back of medic truck.

Nobody's trying to topple Jimi Hendrix, that's for sure.

At least 4 more arrests here at Cal Anderson Park

Ongoing standoffs in the former CHOP zone. Some protesters are saying there is a lull now but larger crowds expected to return.

Thanks to friends at @TheStranger for the opening up their top-floor vantage point.

Here's our updated story, drawing in details from spreading demonstrations across the country: Los Angeles, New York, Oakland, Omaha, Aurora, and of course Portland.

nytimes.com/2020/07/25/us/…

I feel like we warped back in time to early June, when Seattle police set up a line in this exact spot, repeatedly clashed with protesters over many days, then gave up the line, leading to the creation of the CHOP.

I'm heading out. Be back for another big event planned tomorrow