Happy May Day. For some, today is a seasonal celebration marked by costumed people dancing in a field. For many others, today is International Workers Day. In Seattle, El Comité will lead a march this afternoon from Judkins Park to downtown Seattle "to publicly expose ICE activity in Washington State." On past May Days, anarchists have broken windows and police have deployed dangerous crowd-control devices, but things stayed relatively calm last year despite a far-right contingent of Trump supporters showing up for the first time ever. Right-wingers are coming back this year, too, including Proud Boys, self-described "Western chauvinists" group and Joey Gibson's Patriot Prayer.
What is in store? We'll keep you posted. Check back often for updates:
6:20 PM: Things appear to be winding down on May Day 2018. Steven Hsieh reports the Proud Boys are done with their parade, and the black bloc is apparently on the light rail.
6 PM: Well, that didn't last long. Right-wing marchers with the Proud Boys and other groups marched from Westlake to Capitol Hill, but after less than a half hour are now headed back to Westlake. Downtown, marchers are calling for an end to deportations and better pay for teachers, among other things. Police are in position to prevent protesters from accessing I-5.
And the MAGA group is heading back toward Westlake on Pike, now passing 7th. #MayDaySea
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 2, 2018
“EVICT ICE.” #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/GQbwfFaDEv
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 2, 2018
Dean Kay: “It’s time for our communities to appreciate that teachers educate everyone — lawyers, doctors, the people who make your food, who take your trash — we educate everyone and we deserve a living wage.” #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/rWhskINj4D
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 2, 2018
And what's up with the black bloc? After flirting with just having a nice night and getting some dinner, a small group is now on Capitol Hill, KOMO reports:
This is what I just heard... Antifa leaders just took a poll to the group asking if ppl would rather stay and go "all nazi" on the city all night or go BBQ in the U District. They are currently walking to the Light Rail having chosen the latter. #komonews pic.twitter.com/by67sniATd
— Gabe Cohen (@GabeCohenKOMO) May 2, 2018
Antifa group passing Seattle Central. Near Broadway/Howell. #komonews pic.twitter.com/HW02ZcoSq5
— Gabe Cohen (@GabeCohenKOMO) May 2, 2018
5:30 PM: The El Comité march has arrived downtown, where it will wrap up with a series of speakers. The Proud Boys and friends have reached Capitol Hill. Downtown, traffic is being rerouted off 2nd Avenue near University Street. Follow King County Metro for updates about bus service in the area.
#MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/xnRTZ7pbrx
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 2, 2018
A fight about the wall at Boylston and Pike: "This is what our country has fallen to. These are the baser instincts of people who are afraid of immigrants, who are afraid of people of color, of transgender people."
Boylston and Pike. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/s03I0cVnUM
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 2, 2018
#MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/fjjiuYsDes
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 2, 2018
#MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/c4qkODFAOl
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 2, 2018
5:05 PM: Some people who don't understand Bruce Springsteen are on their way to Capitol Hill:
“Born in the USA” blaring as Patriot group takes their protest up to Cap Hill #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/2Cfj6LS87y
— elisa hahn (@ElisaHahnK5) May 2, 2018
4:55 PM: The El Comité march is nearing downtown.
#MayDaySea march heading north on Fourth Avenue. pic.twitter.com/Xu5j0ptEzG
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
And at Westlake, the right-wing protesters look headed toward Capitol Hill:
Far-right group is marching from West Lake to Capitol Hill. #MayDaySea
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 1, 2018
Very odd to have people screaming at each other with “Sweet Caroline” playing in the background. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/d2f6sy21iV
— elisa hahn (@ElisaHahnK5) May 1, 2018
4:35 PM: Police are all over downtown and please, god, someone do something about their bike brakes.
Police have blocked off Spring Street. #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/HFQ2ChQpc3
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
Heavy police presence and blocks throughout downtown — multiple SPD vehicles on 2nd Ave. #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/vMLsgO0SPV
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
Police awaiting protestors on 2nd Ave. #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/y3uZvzOC4a
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
.@seattlepd must have equipped their bikes with new brakes because oh my god they are squeaky.
— David Kroman (@KromanDavid) May 1, 2018
4:30 PM: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 46 President Sean Bagsby says "our communities are being destroyed" under the Trump Administration.
Sean Bagsby, President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 46: “If we don’t stand together, there won’t be any of us left.” #MayDaySEA (1/3) pic.twitter.com/MX2sH0glwH
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
Bagsby: “Under 45, our communities are being destroyed, people are scared to come out of their homes, they don’t know if they’re going to be deported. The fractionalization of brown people, black people, other people is growing and it is not getting better.” #MayDaySEA (2/3)
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
Bagsby: “Events like this that are peaceful and bring people together are needed. Love will win.” #MayDaySEA (3/3)
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
4:10 PM: The El Comité march is heading down Jackson:
El Comite march on Jackson crossing 12th. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/LMOotAMg0k
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
#MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/NEcWvIthcI
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
And meanwhile, in Olympia and Lacey:
Lots of police around Olympia’s Sylvester Park. For now, they’re not needed. May Day picnic consisting of speeches, music, croquet. #mayday pic.twitter.com/jrcSdpHF77
— Drew Mikkelsen (@drewmikkelsenk5) May 1, 2018
“Happy May Day” and “$=Death” found spray-painted on Lacey Wells Fargo at 5:30 this morning. #MayDay pic.twitter.com/fKia32qwUB
— Drew Mikkelsen (@drewmikkelsenk5) May 1, 2018
4 PM: The Proud Boy types are marching through downtown.
The far-righters are marching on 4th. Miraculously, I witnessed about two dozen Proud Boys walk by a Buffalo Wild Wings WITHOUT walking in. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/MGSjOaj8NN
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 1, 2018
The raddest manliest most cool ever Proud Boy ran into a bar to grab a beer. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/egIKJ3xuVT
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 1, 2018
3:55 PM: Anti-youth jail activists are hosting a "family friendly block party" in the University District. Details here.
3:50 PM: Let's take a look at who's at Westlake...
At this “anti-racist” rally in Westlake, here is Bruce Cunningham, a member of Cascade Legion who frequently posts Nazi symbolism on his Facebook. #seamayday pic.twitter.com/QxK3gyAw84
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 1, 2018
Also here: CB Robertson (in the sunglasses), the Cascade Legion leader who often writes for Counter Currents, the Seattle-based white nationalist publishing house. #seamayday pic.twitter.com/cyZ0XlJQVN
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 1, 2018
3:40 PM: The El Comité march is on the move from Judkins Park to downtown Seattle.
#MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/kkaWtdT14n
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
"ICE out of Washington State." #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/nVlHymOJ2W
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
"No nations, no borders, fuck your law and order." #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/VHOkY3xaf4
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
Seattle #DSA chant: "No borders, no nations. Let's stop deportations!" #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/9I3ncuRxqc
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
"No justice, no peace. Abolish the police." #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/0WFGXXJ3zU
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
WATCH live: https://t.co/AT61GaqHuo https://t.co/PxdV0inbrn
— KOMO News (@komonews) May 1, 2018
3:30 PM:
Spotted at Broadway and Olive. #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/V5iISia9O7
— Kirsten O'Brien (@Kirsten0Brien) May 1, 2018
3:25 PM: No New Youth Jail protesters will join the El Comité march.
No New Youth Jail protestors Calvin Burnap and Dean Spade (with balloons) on their way to the El Comité march. pic.twitter.com/lQ2oBN6ekT
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
Spade: “May Day is a day about worker struggles — here in Seattle, we see people celebrating all of our boldest visions for justice and coming together in solidarity across so many issues and communities to demand a world in which people have what they need.”
— Sophia Stephens (@sophia_akiko) May 1, 2018
3:15 PM: Preparing to march at Judkins: "They try to bury people of color, but they don't know that we are seeds."
Wayne Rocque, 24: "I'm an Indian immigrant. It's important in these hard times to show solidarity." #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/o0fZfCw8zc
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
Harvey Sadis, 72: "Anyone who can find a job in America deserves to be in America." #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/JpDK6JMbVe
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
Anarcho-Syndicalist in his early 20s: "I'm here to help build a better world." #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/X7nOhuRePH
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
3:05 PM: The discourse:
I guess I have to pay attention to this group of Patriot Prayer/Proud Boys types interrogating a young man carrying a hammer and sickle flag. pic.twitter.com/1RO8QP5tmH
— Sydney Brownstone (@sydbrownstone) May 1, 2018
A red-faced man is VERY ANGRY that someone is carrying a Commie flag at an event that purports to value free speech. This is so dumb you guys
— Sydney Brownstone (@sydbrownstone) May 1, 2018
Here is the crowd at Westlake for #seamayday. As expected, far-right groups Patriot Prayer, Proud Boys, and Cascade Legion are all here. pic.twitter.com/JE1BpDyVgC
— Steven Hsieh (@stevenjhsieh) May 1, 2018
2:57 PM: Here's the scene at Judkins Park, where labor unions, immigrant rights activists, and others will march beginning at 3:30. This year's focus: "to publicly expose ICE activity in Washington State and to hold the Department of Licensing accountable for having facilitated ICE harassment against community members by way of sharing information about motorists."
El Comite march for immigrant rights is staging at Judkins Park. #MayDaySEA pic.twitter.com/0rT6uB8ijJ
— Eli Sanders (@elijsanders) May 1, 2018
2:54 PM: Important:
BREAKING: The most exciting thing about #MayDaySEA is that the boba place in Westlake is offering a “May Day special”: extra boba in your bubble tea.
— Sydney Brownstone (@sydbrownstone) May 1, 2018
I mean, look at this. pic.twitter.com/k4VO5TVgWU
— Sydney Brownstone (@sydbrownstone) May 1, 2018
2:50 PM: Cops and a few right-wingers are beginning to gather at Westlake. Will cops use blast balls on crowds this year? Back in 2016, software engineer Sam Levine was injured by a blast ball while covering May Day protests as an independent blogger. Since then, Levine has sued the city. Sydney Brownstone reports that discovery in Levine's case reveals that a report commissioned by the Seattle Police Department before May Day 2016 highlighted blast balls as a potential risk. "Absent a situation where officers were facing the immediate threat of death or serious physical injury," the report said, "the intentional deployment of a blast ball device at or in close proximity to a human being would be unjustified, excessive, and dangerous."
About 50-60 Patriot demonstrators here at Westlake Park. #MayDaySea pic.twitter.com/1etuqGOsL4
— elisa hahn (@ElisaHahnK5) May 1, 2018
2:28 PM: Before Steven Hsieh heads to Westlake, he wrote this primer on the far-right groups planning to demonstrate there...
As Heidi Groover reported, 2017 marked the first time in recent memory that May Day included a right-wing presence. It was an incredibly stupid few hours of people yelling at each other, culminating with lefties and MAGA-types passing around a joint.
The group behind last year’s rally, Patriot Prayer, plans to demonstrate again in Westlake today. Patriot Prayer is lead by Joey Gibson, a Japanese-American man from Vancouver, Washington who is mounting a longshot candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Gibson and Patriot Prayer self-identify as free speech conservatives who opposed racism and bigotry, but their rallies have attracted white supremacists and devolved into violence. Some refer to the group as alt-right, but it is more accurately described as alt-lite, which means they still espouse hardcore nationalist views but don’t identify with the more racist elements of the far right. Recently, Patriot Prayer has held rallies in Portland, Spokane, the University of Washington, Olympia and Berkeley.
The Pacific Northwest chapter of the Proud Boys are also expected to attend the Westlake rally. Founded last year by former Vice Media boss Gavin McInnes, the Proud Boys are a Southern Poverty Law Center-designated hate group that self-describe as “Western chauvinists.” The Proud Boys show up to any rally where you might encounter Antifa protestors. Look for them in their uniform, a Fred Perry polo.
Cascade Legion is a local group lead by CB Robertson, a racist who regularly writes for for Counter-Currents.com, the white nationalist blog and book publisher. According to Cascade Legion’s website, the group’s primary purpose is to maintain order during protests and assist police if they are needed. Their logo appears on this hoodie.
1:47 PM: Police have reportedly arrested a man for throwing a rock at the Amazon spheres. At a press conference yesterday, a reporter asked a SPD spokesperson if the police were going to protect the spheres. The spokesperson said they would not go out of their way to protect Jeff Bezos' balls.
Police have arrested a masked man for throwing a rock at the @Amazon Spheres. #MayDaySEA
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) May 1, 2018
1:16 PM: Here is a map of the main march and probable traffic impact areas, courtesy of SPD.
1:05 PM: The fancy Starbucks has taken precautions.
Starbucks Roastery in Seattle boarded up for May Day March. pic.twitter.com/jxG26QLgfm
— Tom Hickey (@THickeyKing5) May 1, 2018
And El Comité is breaking out the supplies.
Preparations for today's march. #MayDaySea #MayDay #MayDay2018 pic.twitter.com/8SgqPnNUkC
— El Comité (@ElComiteWA) May 1, 2018