Demonstrators stage peaceful march to park
The activists who made headlines last year in a clash with police at the Fourth of July celebration in Spokane’s Riverfront Park marched peacefully through the streets and into the park Friday evening.
Dozens of self-described anarchists met under the Maple Street Bridge in Peaceful Valley around 5 p.m. They marched over the Monroe Street Bridge, through downtown and to the Clocktower in Riverfront Park.
The demonstration was in stark contrast to the one a year ago, when 17 people were arrested during a protest over police brutality.
Friday’s demonstrators clutched signs, banged a drum and chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets” and “No justice, no peace, no violent police.”
Police said they saw no violations during the demonstration. The group had a permit for the march and was escorted by police.
“This went like we expected,” Spokane police Lt. Brad Arleth said. “The march was a peaceful group.”
Some in the protest consider themselves anarchists, but they obtained a city permit despite their resistance to government. “The permit at this point is an unfortunate concession that we decided to make this year in order to focus on the importance of what we have to say,” Travis Riehl said.
Riehl resented the police presence. “While it seems to be viewed as helpful, an armed and trained militant escort such as the police is invasive,” he said.
Jason Cross, 24, said he was with the group last year but wasn’t arrested. The public attention on the group’s actions allowed the protesters to amplify their messages on racism, homophobia, distribution of wealth, the futility of voting and more.
Buell Hollister, 81, rode down with a friend on a scooter to join the march because he witnessed last year’s protest and thought police used excessive force. Hollister said he didn’t agree with everything the anarchists stood for but admired them for expressing their outrage. “I believe so firmly in the First Amendment and supporting people’s freedom of speech.”
Onlookers watched while the crowd moved through downtown and into the park. Some folks glared and yelled, others applauded. Most watched with curiosity.
“Everybody has a right to their opinion,” said Spokane resident Kathryn Bryan, who came to the park to watch fireworks. “They weren’t threatening.”
Sharon Ortiz, of Spokane, said a family event was the wrong place for such a display. “They are down here just to cause trouble and no other reason,” she said.
When the marchers reached their spot in the grass, many sat down on their cardboard signs and shared a vegan picnic.