SEATTLE, WA – A demonstration that began peacefully at a Seattle park on Wednesday evening led to arrests and disruption in downtown Seattle after isolated acts of violence prompted police intervention.

The protest started with a 7 p.m. rally at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill, a known location for public demonstrations. Participants marched from the park to downtown, with Seattle police observing the event from a distance for most of the evening.

According to police, the situation changed around 10 p.m. when a dumpster was set on fire at 3rd Avenue and Marion Street. Officers staged nearby while waiting for the Seattle Fire Department to respond. During that time, individuals in the crowd threw bottles, rocks, and pieces of concrete at police. A protester also threw a large firework at officers, though no injuries were reported.

In response, police issued dispersal orders around 10:20 p.m., directing demonstrators to move away from the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building. Officers enforcing the order were again targeted with thrown objects, and graffiti was left on the federal building.

Police used crowd control tools, which appeared to include flashbangs, and made eight arrests for assault and obstruction. By 11 p.m., the protest moved north on 1st Avenue from Madison Street, temporarily blocking all lanes.

The Seattle Department of Transportation reported traffic disruptions along 6th Avenue and Seneca Street and advised drivers to avoid the area.

The demonstration occurred during broader national unrest over the Trump Administration’s increased enforcement of immigration laws.