Civil Unrest and Riots: A Timeline of Events and Arrests
A series of violent disturbances erupted in the city, beginning with protests that quickly escalated into riots. The unrest resulted in significant property damage, numerous injuries, and a large-scale law enforcement response to restore order across multiple districts.
Key Facts
- Total Arrests: 113 people were arrested by November 13.
- Primary Locations: Downtown, the Pearl District, and Pioneer Courthouse Square.
- Police Tactics: Use of rubber bullets, pepper spray, and flash bangs (non-lethal explosive devices used to disorient crowds).
- Major Incidents: Vandalism of businesses, a shooting on the Morrison Bridge, and assaults on civilians and media.
The Outbreak of Violence
The first day of the incident saw a rapid shift from protest to riot. Between 26 and 29 people were arrested as businesses suffered damage. Rioters utilized rocks, baseball bats, and glass bottles to attack police and property, and a dumpster was set on fire. In one instance, non-violent protesters intervened to stop a man from destroying electrical equipment with a bat.
The chaos was further compounded by erratic behavior, including an incident where a woman threw laundry detergent at members of the crowd.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Expansion into the Pearl District
The unrest spread from the Downtown area into the Pearl District, where more businesses were vandalized. To manage the situation, authorities closed sections of Interstate 5 (I-5) and I-84 as a precaution, warning motorists of people in the roadways. By 10:00 p.m., police issued a mandate that anyone who had not returned to Pioneer Courthouse Square would face arrest.
Escalation and Violent Confrontations
Protests continued into November 11. Police continued to use flash bangs to disperse crowds, including a group gathered in front of City Hall, with several arrests made throughout the day.
The violence escalated early the following morning on the Morrison Bridge. Following an argument between a protester and occupants of a vehicle, a man exited the car and shot the protester before fleeing. While the wounds were not life-threatening, the incident led to the arrest of four men. Two of these individuals were charged with attempted murder, and police recovered a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol from their vehicle.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Final Days and Total Impact
By the night of November 12, the disturbances remained ongoing. Police arrested 19 additional people for refusing to leave the area or for other suspected crimes. During this period, a reporter from the local television station KOIN was assaulted, along with two other individuals.
In response, police closed Pioneer Courthouse Square and established a two-block perimeter around the park. On November 13, authorities provided a final update on the scale of the unrest, reporting a total of 113 arrests, with 71 of those occurring on November 12 alone. Reports also indicated that protesters threw lit road flares at police officers.
| Date | Key Events | Law Enforcement Action |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Business damage, dumpster fire, spread to Pearl District | 26–29 arrests; use of rubber bullets and pepper spray |
| Nov 11 | Protests at City Hall; shooting on Morrison Bridge | Flash bangs used; 4 arrested for shooting (2 for attempted murder) |
| Nov 12 | Assault on KOIN reporter and two others; road flares thrown | 71 arrests; closure of Pioneer Courthouse Square perimeter |
| Nov 13 | Final reporting of figures | Total arrest count updated to 113 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were arrested in total?
As of the final update on November 13, a total of 113 people were arrested in connection with the riots and disturbances.
What weapons were used by the rioters?
Rioters used rocks, baseball bats, glass bottles, and eventually lit road flares to cause damage and attack police.
Where did the riots take place?
The unrest began in the Downtown area, spread to the Pearl District, and centered around Pioneer Courthouse Square and City Hall.
What happened on the Morrison Bridge?
A protester was shot by a man in a vehicle following an argument. The victim survived, and four suspects were arrested, with two facing attempted murder charges.
How did the police attempt to disperse the crowds?
Police utilized rubber bullets, pepper spray, and flash bang devices to manage the violent protesters.