Olympic Peninsula protests peaceful

No damage and no arrests reported by law enforcement agencies

PORT ANGELES — While major cities across the United States, including Seattle, have been rocked by violence and vandalism during protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, protests in smaller cities on the North Olympic Peninsula were vastly more peaceful.

There were no reported arrests or damage from protests in either Port Townsend or Port Angeles this weekend.

About 125 people protested in Port Townsend at Sims Way and Haines Place on Saturday, and about 50 in Port Angeles protested at the intersection of Golf Course Road and First Street.

Protesters held signs decrying police brutality and were met by a large number of drivers who honked their horns in support, although protesters in Port Angeles reported at least a couple of drivers made obscene gestures.

There were no arrests and no reports of any vandalism in Port Townsend, said Port Townsend Police Sgt. Garin Williams.

“We didn’t receive a single call,” he said. “It was a peaceful and very uneventful protest.”

Clallam County Undersheriff Ron Cameron also was not aware of any arrests or damage at the Port Angeles protest.

“Obviously, people have a right to peacefully protest,” he said. “Generally around here, people are respectful of one another.”

Cameron said most law enforcement officers are horrified at the events that led to Floyd’s death last week in Minneapolis, Minn., with a police officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck until he died.

“No cop that I’m aware of liked what they saw in that video,” Cameron said. “We are equally disturbed with what we saw in that video.”

Williams and Cameron weren’t aware if any further protests are being planned on the peninsula.

In Port Angeles, demonstration organizers notified the Port Angeles Police Department ahead of time.

________

Sports Editor Pierre LaBossiere can be reached by email at plabossiere@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Foundation donates $1 million to hospital

Recipients include residency program, scholarships and cancer care center

A former teacher, Larry Jeffryes moved to Sequim with his wife in 2013. He was appointed to the Sequim School Board in September 2019, elected by voters in November of that year and was elected again in 2023. Before his resignation, Jeffryes’ term was set to go through November 2027. (Larry Jeffryes)
Sequim school board director resigns after six years in seat

District opens process to apply for position

Members of the musical group Soupbones, from left, Ed Schmid of Port Angeles, Ron Munro of Sequim, Carly List of Port Angeles and Hugh Starks of Sequim, perform at a Good Trouble community gathering and picnic on Thursday at Erickson Playfield in Port Angeles. Organizers of the event, one of numerous gatherings across the United States, decided to forego conventional politics while commemorating the life of civil rights activist John Lewis. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Good trouble rally

Members of the musical group Soupbones, from left, Ed Schmid of Port… Continue reading

State funds to benefit coastal habitat

Clallam, Jefferson awarded $1.6M

Artists Heather Sparks, left, and Zeo Boekbinder set up a stencil of a fern leaf in an effort to decorate an otherwise-drab concrete roadside divider along Race Street south of Lauridsen Boulevard on Wednesday in Port Angeles. The divider work was part of a larger project to beautify the Race Street corridor from Eighth Street to Hurricane Ridge Road, which included improved traffic lanes, pedestrian and bicycle lanes and decorative lighting. Long-term plans call for similar improvements to Race Street, extending to First and Front streets. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
A touch of color

Artists Heather Sparks, left, and Zeo Boekbinder set up a stencil of… Continue reading

A tanker truck overturned into Indian Creek west of Port Angeles, according to the State Patrol and the state Department of Transportation. U.S. Highway 101 was closed Friday afternoon at milepost 238 near Herrick Road, and traffic was being diverted to state Highway 112. (Katherine Weatherwax via X)
Highway 101 closed after tanker truck overturns into creek

Port Angeles asks utility customers to conserve water

Lisa Hansen of Port Angeles, center, takes a cellphone photo of her son, Cooper Hansen, 3, as Hansen’s mother, Tracy Hansen, right, looks on during a warm day at Hollywood Beach on the Port Angeles waterfront on Wednesday. The trio were enjoying a sunny summer afternoon next to the water. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Picture perfect

Lisa Hansen of Port Angeles, center, takes a cellphone photo of her… Continue reading

Claim against First Fed alleges $100M fraud

First Fed plans to ‘vigorously defend’ loans

Olympic Medical Center CEO says Medicaid cuts will hit hard

Darryl Wolfe tells board entire state will feel impact

Joseph Wilson, left, and Kevin Streett.
Jefferson PUD names new general manager

Wilson comes with 30 years of experience

Firefighters from Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue oversee a brush fire Wednesday in the area of Baker Farm Road. (Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue)
Woman airlifted to hospital following bicycle crash

U.S. Highway 101 was closed for about 45 minutes… Continue reading