Seattle protest costs more than $585,000 so far

SEATTLE — Seattle police said Tuesday it has cost them more than $585,000 to provide public safety services at demonstrations protesting a grand jury decision in the death of an unarmed black man at the hands of a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.

That figure only covers costs directly related to the protests, police said. It also only covers demonstrations through Dec. 2.

Since Dec. 3, demonstrators have also been protesting a New York City grand jury decision in a similar case.

So far during the protests, the department has arrested 22 adults and two juveniles for investigation of offenses ranging from assault to pedestrian interference, police said. No serious injuries have been reported.

Money to cover the expenses will come from the city’s general fund budget.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

In comparison, police say public safety and traffic expenses related to this year’s Fourth of July totaled $462,000 while police costs for this year’s May Day protests were $294,000.

In what they described as an effort to “efficiently provide the right amount of public safety services at future demonstrations without compromising safety,” police asked that march and rally organizers apply online for special event permits.

The department said the permits are free for “constitutionally protected free speech events.”

The first Seattle protest, after the grand jury decision not to indict Ferguson officer Darren Wilson on Nov. 24, cost the city $101,571. The Seattle Times reported that the most costly protest listed was on Dec. 1, after Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole said she issued an “all hands on deck” order for officers in advance of a demonstration that began at Westlake Park. That one cost $156,161.

The costs include both on-duty officers and officers who worked overtime, police spokesman Sean Whitcomb said.

Also tallied was nearly $16,000 in extra staffing in the days leading up to the Ferguson announcement.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Jennifer Humelo, right, hugs Art Cass outside of Full Life Care Snohomish County on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘I’ll lose everything’: Snohomish County’s only adult day health center to close

Full Life Care in Everett, which supports adults with disabilities, will shut its doors July 19 due to state funding challenges.

(City of Everett)
Everett’s possible new stadium has a possible price tag

City staff said a stadium could be built for $82 million, lower than previous estimates. Bonds and private investment would pay for most of it.

The Edmonds City Council gathers to discuss annexing into South County Fire on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Community group presents vision for Edmonds’ fiscal future

Members from Keep Edmonds Vibrant suggested the council focus on revenue generation and a levy lid lift to address its budget crisis.

The age of bridge 503 that spans Swamp Creek can be seen in its timber supports and metal pipes on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. The bridge is set to be replaced by the county in 2025. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County report: 10 bridges set for repairs, replacement

An annual report the county released May 22 details the condition of local bridges and future maintenance they may require.

People listen as the Marysville School Board votes to close an elementary and a middle school in the 2025-26 school year while reconfiguring the district’s elementary schools to a K-6 model on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Marysville schools audit shows some improvement

Even though the district still faces serious financial problems, the findings are a positive change over last year, auditors said.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

The Everett City Council listens as Casino Road residents share their concerns about possible displacement and rent increases on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council set to vote on final comp plan

The council is expected to vote on whether to approve a massive update to its land use and development standards on June 18.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Mukilteo police locate dead body near Olympic View Middle School

At around 7 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to reports of an individual with possible injuries.

SMART concludes investigation into police use of force used in pursuit

Results of the investigation into the death of Payton Michaels were forwarded to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. (Olivia Vanni/The Herald)
Providence Everett plans 25% cut to nursing assistant staffing

The reduction, effective July 11, will affect all 39 per diem nursing assistants and 80 full-time and part-time assistants.

The Musical Mountaineers perform at Everett’s McCollum Park on June 14, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Adopt A Stream Foundation)
Photo courtesy of Adopt A Stream Foundation
The Musical Mountaineers perform at Everett’s McCollum Park on June 14.
Coming events in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.