Seattle has a new police chief, Gil Kerlikowske. He replaced Norm Stamper who stepped down earlier this year because of the police department’s mishandling of and overreaction to the protests. Kerlikowske no doubt wanted to prove to Mayor Paul Schell – and to his officers – that he’s "tough on protesters."

On the first anniversary of the WTO protests, peaceful demonstrators again met with police overreaction Thursday evening, Nov. 30. Around 7:30 p.m., approximately 200 people were still at Westlake Park, the convergence zone for the days rallies when the police began reacting violently. Peacekeepers and labor leaders negotiated with the police to move down to the King County Labor Temple a mile to the north.

Upon leaving Westlake Park, the police tear gassed the crowd. As the crowd continued to the Labor Temple, police surrounded them on all. The group sat down in silent protest. Robby Stern, special assistant to the president of the Washington State Labor Council, and asked how many wanted to go home. Nearly everyone raised their hands.

Stern and Steve Williamson, King County Labor Council (KCLC) secretary-treasurer, went to the officer in charge and told him that people were ready to leave peacefully. The officer said if they could get everyone into two lines holding hands, they could leave. Stern and Williamson went back to the demonstrators and as they were making the announcement they were arrested. Everyone within the area encircled by the police – including bystanders – were also arrested roughly.

Jonathan Rosenblum, director and lead organizer of Seattle Union Now (a joint project of the AFL-CIO and the KCLC), was thrown to the ground and handcuffed.

"We were stunned" Rosenblum said, referring to the totally unprovoked arrests. During the march from Seattle Central Community College to Westlake Park, Rosenblum was a peacekeeper and liaison with the mayor’s office as well as the Seattle Police Department. "What we saw on Thursday night was an act of vengeance from last year’s [WTO] embarrassment," he said.

Nearly 150 people were arrested and taken to two separate holding areas – the King County Jail in Seattle and the suburban Kent jail. Upon arrival in Kent, the labor leaders were told they could go, no charges were being filed. However, there were others who were still being held facility – including five juveniles who were bound for juvenile hall.

The labor leaders refused to leave until everyone was freed, which occurred when the jailers released everyone on "personal recognizance."

By 5 a.m. Saturday, all those still in jail – charged with a misdemeanor, "pedestrian obstruction" – were released. A hearing is set for later this month, but Rosenblum said he believes all charges will be dropped.