WSP recommends charges for protesters who shut down I-5 in Seattle
Washington State Patrol (WSP) on Friday afternoon officially recommended charges against five people accused of being involved in the pro-Palestinian protest that shut down Interstate 5 (I-5) north in Seattle for hours last month.
WSP spokesperson Chris Loftis says investigators forwarded the charges to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO). They include 2nd degree criminal trespass, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. Two other individuals are under continued investigation and charges may be referred in their cases soon.
“This is not about the rights of free speech or assembly. There can be no doubt that the Washington State Patrol respects and protects those rights,” WSP Chief Jon R. Batiste said in a statement following the announcement. “This is about holding people accountable for unlawful and dangerous acts that put the traveling public, our first responders, and yes, the protesters themselves, in danger.”
WSP as an organization can only recommend charges; it’s up to the KCPAO to make the final decision. Spokesperson Casey McNerthney told KIRO Newsradio Friday senior deputy prosecuting attorneys from the office’s Criminal Division will review the report before determining how to proceed.
https://mynorthwest.com/3950222/wsp-recommends-charges-protesters-who-shut-down-i5-seattle/