SEATTLE -- One day after Seattle's May Day demonstrations turned violent, the city will focus on cleaning up and welcoming visitors back into downtown Wednesday.
Seattle Police report there were no arrests related to May Day overnight. A total of 8 protesters were arrested during the course of the day.
The damage done by violent protesters, many belonging to the group calling themselves the "Black Bloc," stretches from 4th Avenue and Olive Way to 3rd and Marion. Cars were vandalized and business windows were shattered.
Officers seized more than 70 objects from violent protesters. Some Items now in police possession include lighters, hammers, pry bars, metal barriers, sticks, paint and rocks. Because of an executive order from Mayor Mike McGinn, police were able to seize any item which could be used as a weapon.
The mounds of evidence and surveillance collected will begin to be reviewed by Seattle Police. SPD said they intend to prosecute any protesters caught in the act of causing damage to the fullest extent of the law. Members of "Black Bloc" dressed in all black and used bandannas, masks or makeup to cover their faces.
Downtown businesses will turn their attention to cleaning up destroyed property. Niketown, which became one of the first targets of the violent mob, will be closed Wednesday. Protesters used sticks to smash the storefront's windows.
"It's unfortunate that you get a very few people that want to cause damage and violence," Seattle Police Chief John Diaz said. "And we're going to be spending a lot of time and effort to bring those people to justice."
The city deactivated its Emergency Operations Center at 8:00 p.m. last night.
Organizers of the traditional El Comite May Day demonstration estimated 4,500 protesters joined their march that wound peacefully through Seattle Tuesday evening.
The first day of May is a traditional day for laborers and social groups to gather to gain support and express their ideals.
Seattle Police said people or businesses who had their property vandalized should call the SPD non-emergency line at 206 625-5011.
Earlier this week, anarchist signs and websites were found advocating Seattle's protesters to "strike back" or "shut down the city."
