SPOKANE, WA – A post-Pride Parade demonstration in downtown Spokane led to 11 arrests on Saturday evening after protesters continued marching in unauthorized areas and refused to disperse following multiple warnings, according to a statement from the Spokane Police Department (SPD).
The June 14 demonstration, organized under the “No Kings” banner, began peacefully at Riverfront Park shortly after the city’s annual Pride Parade. SPD estimated thousands participated, with crowds moving through the downtown core beginning around 5 p.m.
SPD said officers maintained communication with organizers throughout the day via its Tactical (TAC) Team dialogue officers. As the demonstration continued into the evening, officers began issuing warnings urging participants to stay within permitted areas and avoid blocking major roadways.
By approximately 8 p.m., crowd size had diminished. However, a smaller group remained in the streets. At 8:44 p.m., dispersal orders were issued due to ongoing roadway obstruction. SPD reported that some participants displayed increasingly confrontational behavior, prompting further police action.
At 8:58 p.m., officers began arresting individuals for failure to disperse. Inert smoke and pepper balls were deployed around 9 p.m. to encourage compliance. Eleven people were arrested in total, with one also facing a charge of malicious mischief for allegedly spray-painting city property.
Despite online rumors, SPD clarified that no citywide curfew was in effect and that River Park Square Mall was not evacuated by police. Instead, officers requested mall management direct exiting patrons to the south entrances to avoid the protest area.
Spokane Pride Executive Director Matthew Danielson praised the event’s overall success and collaboration with SPD and city officials. “This year’s event went as planned, and we are glad everyone had fun,” Danielson said.
SPD Chief Kevin Hall stated that while most demonstrators were peaceful, the department was obligated to act in the interest of public safety. “Your officers worked tirelessly throughout the day to facilitate a safe demonstration and maintain open dialogue with organizers,” Hall said. “We will continue to review our actions to ensure they reflect our values of professionalism, accountability, and respect for Constitutional rights.”