10 arrests at Port of Seattle terminal protest to block boat from unloading

Protesters in the port of Seattle. (Courtesy Photo by Kshama Sawant / Twitter)

Ten protesters blocking the entrance to a terminal in the Port of Seattle were arrested Thursday evening.

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About 150 people described as pro-Palestinian were upset that an Israeli cargo ship was about to be unloaded and tried to prevent it. The group also included Seattle city council member Kshama Sawant, who tweeted about the protest.

We are marching to demand that the Seattle Democratic Port Commissioners stand by #BlockTheBoat, @falastiniyat and union workers on the coast and not allow the Israeli ZIM cargo ship to be unloaded.

Unions and the labor movement, courageously blocking corporate profits, will be crucial. pic.twitter.com/SKYgvEel9M

– Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama) June 17, 2021

Prior to the arrests, Seattle port officials said they had set up a security zone for the protesters.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance made the following statement:

The Northwest Seaport Alliance respects the expression of change rights and prioritizes the safety of both workers on our properties and those exercising their right to freedom of expression.

The NWSA is the fourth largest international seaport in the United States, and keeping trade routes open for international trade is vital to our region and our country.

The ZIM San Diego is part of a liner service that calls into Terminal 18, carries routine import cargo from Asia, including medical and PPE equipment, and picks up export cargo from our Washington exporters. Local retailers and corporations across the Midwest rely on the import cargo delivered by ships to our terminals.

The Seattle Port Police and Seattle Police Force provide a safe zone for protesters to ensure individual expression is protected and port operations are not impeded. We remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for all.

After the arrests, the group was ordered to disband.