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Charges filed against protesters who shut down I-5 in Seattle

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Charges filed against protesters who shut down I-5 in Seattle


The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) has filed charges against six of the protesters who were among the dozens involved in the pro-Palestinian protest that shut down Interstate 5 (I-5) in Seattle on Jan. 6.

Five have been charged with second degree criminal trespass and disorderly conduct and one was charged with disorderly conduct. These are all misdemeanor charges.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is still investigating five other people.  There is an active request to the WSP for additional information on those five individuals in criminal trespass and disorderly conduct investigations, KCPAO spokesman Casey McNerthney stated in email sent to KIRO Newsradio Friday. He reiterated those cases have not been declined and the investigations are ongoing.

More on what happened in January: Protesters blocked I-5 in downtown Seattle at Pine Street

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One case was declined because photo and additional evidence was insufficient to prove charges against the specific defendant, McNerthney’s statement reads. The evidence submitted did not indicate the person in the case was on I-5.

The law enforcement agency forwarded recommendations for charges against 12 people in February, all of whom are believed to have played an integral role in the demonstration that closed a stretch of I-5 north for several hours, beginning around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6. At one point, the backup stretched for several miles in the area near Pine Street. Troopers say an estimated 500 people used a dozen vehicles to completely block traffic.

Demonstrators chanted “Free, free Palestine” and “Hey hey, ho ho, the occupation has got to go.” They called for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas.

Troopers say eight people tied their arms together inside pipes in what is called a “Sleeping Dragon” technique, in an effort to make it more difficult for law enforcement to remove them from the area. Some protesters also cut through a WSDOT security fence in order to get access to the freeway, according to court documents.

The protesters dispersed around 6 p.m., following a sudden onset of threatening weather. Troopers didn’t arrest anyone at that time, and allowed participants to leave peacefully. Afterwards, troopers searched the abandoned vehicles using bomb-sniffing dogs, before towing them away.

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Why weren’t the protesters charged sooner, like those at the airport?

The KCPAO said that because the protesters were not arrested at the scene, the state patrol needed time to gather evidence that would prove they were part of the protest, notably evidence that will hold up in court.

By contrast, Port of Seattle police arrested 46 pro-Palestinian protesters who shut down the highway leading to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Monday.

The expressway to the airport Monday was blocked by protesters for several hours. Of those arrested, 30 were booked into the South Correction Entity (SCORE) and 16 were booked into the King County Jail, according to spokesperson for the Port of Seattle Perry Cooper.

Airport protest coverage: 46 arrested after pro-Palestinian protest shut down key road for hours

Within 24 hours, the SeaTac’s city attorney had filed misdemeanor charges against them.

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“The people in the SeaTac cases were arrested immediately. And they were fingerprinted and they were booked and they were photographed. So, there were no question with identity,” KCPAO spokesman Casey McNerthney said to KIRO Newsradio Friday.

In his statement emailed to KIRO Newsradio, McNerthney also noted there were differences in the specific police announcements, admissible evidence, and the circumstances of the police investigations in the two incidents.

“Even when cases seem the same by investigation type, each case is unique and reviewed individually for what is needed in court,” McNerthney said in his statement.

WSP investigation continues

The WSP has faced criticism for its response and the length of time it took to clear the freeway. Chief John R. Batiste defended the department’s actions. He emphasized that troopers focused on ensuring no one got hurt.

Previous coverage: WSP to recommend charges for recent pro-Palestinian protest on I-5

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“The sophistication and scale of the event presented unique challenges for law enforcement and safety risks to everyone on the freeway,” he said in a statement days after the shutdown. “State and local law enforcement prevented escalation of a situation that could have ended very badly.”

Contributing: Steve Coogan, MyNorthwest

Heather Bosch is an award-winning anchor and reporter on KIRO Newsradio. You can read more of her stories here. Follow Heather on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email her here.

You can read more of Kate Stone’s stories here. Follow Kate on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email her here.

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Seattle, WA

Seattle Seahawks GM shares thoughts on this year's draft strategy

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Seattle Seahawks GM shares thoughts on this year's draft strategy


The Seattle Seahawks didn’t do anything wildly unpredictable in the NFL Draft this past weekend.

Seahawks Draft Grades: Insider on best pick, biggest reach

Sure, it was a bit surprising that they drafted a pair of cornerbacks in the fifth and sixth rounds, given that corner already seemed to be one of the stronger position groups on the team. And yes, they took a flier on a little-known Division II offensive tackle in the seventh round.

But overall, it seemed like a very systematic draft for the Seahawks. They had clear needs at a handful of position groups, and for the most part, they appeared to address them.

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They used their first-round pick to beef up their interior defensive line, taking Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II at No. 16 overall. They added manpower to their interior offensive line, drafting UConn guard Christian Haynes in the third round and Utah guard Sataoa Laumea in the sixth. And with their fourth-round selections of UTEP linebacker Tyrice Knight and Michigan tight end AJ Barner, they gained depth at two spots that desperately needed it.

During his appearance Thursday on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob, Seahawks general manager John Schneider shared a similar view on how the draft went.

“We had groupings throughout the board and we had touch points, and we got to them,” Schneider said. “We had a couple of times where we were going to move around, we didn’t. We were going to move up, we didn’t. You know, (at No.) 16, we stayed, waited. It didn’t feel like a draft to be trying to be like the smartest guy in the room and trying to be moving all over the place. It felt like a draft, like, ‘Hey, we have buy-in with a new staff on these areas. Let’s hit these areas and then grow from here.’”

Murphy was ‘primary guy on defense to go get’

The draft began with a record run of 14 consecutive offensive players selected, which ultimately benefited the Seahawks by making the top defensive prospects available to them at No. 16 overall.

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The Indianapolis Colts finally broke the streak of offensive picks at No. 15, taking edge rusher Laiatu Latu out of UCLA. That allowed Seattle to take Murphy, who the Seahawks said they viewed as the best defensive player in the draft.

The 6-foot-1, 297-pound Murphy was a game-wreaking force at Texas and gives new Seattle coach Mike Macdonald a potential big-time disruptor at defensive tackle.

“We had several (offensive players) that we just knew weren’t going to be there,” Schneider said. “We were prepared for them to be there if they came, but … I personally think it’s like divine that you’re kind of focused on one individual and he felt like the guy all the time. You know, a couple offensive players just didn’t make it there, and we weren’t in a position to go get somebody either. … (But) he was obviously the primary guy on defense to go get.”

Listen to the full conversation with Seahawks general manager John Schneider at this link or in the audio player near the middle of this story.

More Seattle Seahawks coverage

• Ranked: Seahawks’ top 5 position group battles after draft
• There’s a very telling story behind Seahawks drafting Murphy
• Are Seahawks going to reunite with polarizing Jamal Adams?
• With draft complete, what is Seahawks’ biggest question mark?
• Huard explains why Seattle Seahawks drafted two cornerbacks

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What to know ahead of Justin Timberlake's Seattle shows

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What to know ahead of Justin Timberlake's Seattle shows


Justin Timberlake is in Seattle for his “The Forget Tomorrow” World Tour, as he performs in Climate Pledge Arena this week!

Here are a few things to know before the Prince of Pop takes the stage:

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When are the shows?

Timberlake has two shows at Climate Pledge, one on Thursday and another on Friday. Both start at 7:30 p.m.

Can I still get tickets?

Yes, tickets are still available on Ticketmaster. Prices range from $70-$400+

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What can I expect at the show?

This is Timberlake’s first tour in five years, in support of his sixth studio album, “Everything I Thought It Was.” Fans should expect Justin to perform a few singles from his latest release, likely including “Selfish”, “Drown”, and “No Angels”.

If you’re shopping for exclusive concert merch, Justin Timberlake’s website has all the goodies you’ll want to check out.

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Not much is known about how his set will look, as it’s only his second show of the world tour. However, his first show in Vancouver featured an elevated, rotating stage, meaning Justin could have something special planned for the Emerald City!

Online, it appears there’s a second stage across the floor section in the VIP area. It’ll be a performance fans will just have to wait to see!

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Where should I park?

If public transportation or other means of transport aren’t an option for you, there are several parking garages concert-goers can use. There’s a parking garage south of the arena on Lenny Wilkens Way, and another on the east side of the Seattle Center campus on Harrison Street. Parking costs $63 for the one near the arena, and $35 for the other that’s a seven-minute walk away.

However, public transportation, the Seattle Center monorail, or other rideshare options are highly encouraged for getting to the venue.

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How long is the tour?

Justin’s world tour spans until December 16, ending in Indianapolis. If you can’t make the Seattle shows, there are plenty of other opportunities to catch Timberlake live. See his full concert schedule online.

MORE FOX 13 SEATTLE NEWS:

Catch these shows at WA’s Gorge Amphitheatre this summer

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WA businesses poke fun at escaped zebra in North Bend

Mayor Harrell hires firm to investigate sexual harassment claims against SPD leaders

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Teens arrested in Bellevue carjacking linked to $100,000 retail theft

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Former Seattle Mariners Prospects are Now Linked Forever in Wild Baseball History

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Former Seattle Mariners Prospects are Now Linked Forever in Wild Baseball History


The Los Angeles Dodgers routed the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night, 8-0, at Chase Field. The Dodgers are now 20-13 as they look to assert their dominance in the National League West, while the D’Backs are now 14-18.

Aside from the result, there was some wild baseball history that happened in this game involving Dodgers’ utility player Chris Taylor and D’Backs infielder Ketel Marte.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

Ketel Marte and Chris Taylor are EACH playing their 1,000th career MLB game today

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it’s the 5th time in MLB history 2 players reached their 1,000th game in the same game and the FIRST TIME the 2 were opposing players

h/t @EliasSports

What’s even wilder about this story is that Taylor and Marte were already connected together. Langs also noted that in 2015, when both players were members of the Seattle Mariners organization, Marte’s call-up to the big leagues came at the expense of Taylor, who was sent down.

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Neither player ultimately lasted long in Seattle, as Taylor was traded to the Dodgers in the 2016 season. Since then, he’s become a valued member of the Los Angeles roster, playing all over the field and helping them win the 2020 World Series. He’s a lifetime .251 hitter with 104 home runs.

As for Marte, the 30-year-old was traded to Arizona before the 2017 season in the deal that originally brought Mitch Haniger and Jean Segura to Seattle. He became an All-Star with Arizona in 2019 and helped the D’Backs get to the World Series just last year.

He’s hitting .307 this year with five home runs.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN





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