As usual, May Day in Seattle began peacefully with a permitted march led by immigrant rights activists, but later turned into a violent ordeal during the anti-capitalist protest. By the end of the night, there were at least 15 arrests and three police officers injured, according to authorities. The protest turned violent as police used “flashbang” grenades, pepper spray, and other means during an hours-long cat and mouse with a group of over a hundred that threw rocks and other objects toward police. Cars and shop windows were damaged along the way, as well.

 

Demonstrators participate in May Day protests in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015. International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, commemorates the struggle of workers in industrialised countries in the 19th century for better working conditions.

 

Demonstrators and members of the media flee moments before a police “flashbang” explodes during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

Police detain a demonstrator during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

A demonstrator swears at police while holding a middle finger up during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

A police officer prepares to fire rubber bullets at demonstrators during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

Police detain a demonstrator during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

 

Photographer Scott Lum recovers after being injured during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

Police use pepper spray against demonstrators during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

 

 

Police detain a demonstrator during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

 

A demonstrator holds a middle finger up toward the police during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

 

Demonstrators assist an injured man during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

 

Demonstrators and members of the media flee moments before a police “flashbang” explodes during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

Demonstrators and members of the media flee as a police “flashbang” explode4 during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.

 

 

Demonstrators build a fire near fresh graffiti at Seattle Central College during an anti-capitalist protest in Seattle, Washington May 1, 2015.