Seattle rioters caught on camera trying to trap police in East Precinct, set it on fire

SEATTLE — Some officers with the Seattle Police Department said the recent unrest unfolding in the city are turning into direct attacks on police.

One police spokesperson said the protesters were deliberate in their efforts to trap officers inside the East Precinct building Monday night before setting fires.

New SPD surveillance video from the East Precinct shows rioters setting fires around the precinct, after trying to cement the door shut, while officers are inside.

Police said it’s an example of rioters are taking protests to a dangerous level—targeting police.

“That’s not a protest, that’s not a demonstration that’s a directed attack against the police,” said Sgt. Randy Huserik with the Seattle Police Department. “Last night was, was clearly a coordinated attack against three Seattle Police facilities.”

Last night, SPD said rioters used quick setting concrete trying to seal the doors at the East Precinct, but it didn't work and officers were able to get out.

“They mixed up the ‘Quikrete’ and then tried to seal off the exits,” said Sgt. Huserik. “I don’t think there’s a lot of leaps that have to be made about what their intent was last night.”

The Seattle Police Officers Guild President said three incendiary devices were thrown at their building.

“What’s next? Will there be a loss of life?” said SPOG President Mike Solan. “I mean, that would be tragic, and this is why these people need to be stopped, immediately.”

Police said last night all on duty resources responded to the East Precinct, leaving the rest of the city with no response.

“The entirety of the uniform patrol of the Seattle Police Department was committed to what was going on at the East Precinct,” said Sgt. Huserik. “If you had called 911, no one would have responded.”

Sgt. Huserik is reflected on the protest climate now, after working the 1999 World Trade Organization Seattle protests—saying the climate is worse now.

“The way that the officers were treated here, the things that were said, the stuff that happened, was worse than WTO,” said Sgt. Huserik. “And I never imagined I would say that.”

Police said the destruction won’t stop until city leaders step in and protestors are held accountable by prosecutors.

SPD said one officer was injured during the course of the protests.