SPOKANE, Wash. — Protesters from the June 11 demonstration at a downtown Spokane ICE facility detailed allegations of police violence Tuesday night during the first Office of Police Ombuds Commission meeting since the protest.
Five individuals spoke before the commission, describing what they characterized as excessive force and unnecessary violence during the protest that resulted in more than 30 arrests. The speakers claimed the confrontation escalated only after law enforcement arrived at the scene.
“He pulled this individual’s head by the hair,” one protester told the commission, describing alleged actions of law enforcement.
Hadley Morrow, who spoke at the meeting, alleged officers specifically targeted certain groups during the protest.
“All of them choose to target people of color and queer people,” Morrow said.
The Office of Police Ombuds is currently investigating the Spokane Police Department’s actions during the June 11 protest. The investigation will consider both the testimony shared at Tuesday’s meeting and formal complaints that have been filed.
The commission says that 22 people have filed official complaints related to the incident. However, some attendees indicated additional protesters have not yet filed complaints due to fear of potential consequences.
“What we’re hearing is that folks do not trust that they are safe to execute their First Amendment rights and do not trust they’re safe to try to hold law enforcement accountable in this moment,” Morrow said.
The protesters described varying levels of force and de-escalation tactics between different officers and agencies. Some speakers said there appeared to be confusion between police and the Sheriff’s Office during the protest.
“It was very clear that there was not clarity on where lines of authority and jurisdiction were, and we were not made safe by the fact that two law enforcement [agencies], three, if you include the ‘Feds,’ were fighting about what to do in that situation,” Morrow said.
Commissioner Jenny Rose emphasized the importance of individuals coming forward to share their experiences.
“That’s what it takes, right? Courage to come out. Speak. Courage to file a complaint. An official complaint,” Rose said.
Following the June 11 protests, Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said during a press conference that the police response was a reaction to criminal behavior. Hall said that officers used inert smoke and pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Both Chief Hall and Mayor Lisa Brown requested the current review of police actions.
Commissioner Ladd Smith stressed the need for accountability in the investigation process.
“We need the transparency, clarity and change too, because things aren’t going to get any better,” Smith said.
The Spokane NAACP assisted protesters who spoke at the meeting in preparing their comments and filing complaints for the investigation. The organization said it will continue to provide support to those seeking to file complaints related to the June 11 incident.
The Office of Police Ombuds’ investigation remains ongoing as officials review testimony and formal complaints related to the police response during the ICE facility protest.
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