Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

On April 19, protesters took to the Seattle Town Hall to protest Zionists who showed up for a speaking event that featured former IOF soldier and Miss Israel 2021, Noa Cochva. Seattle Police officers made three violent arrests and protected event attendees, despite them having their own private, contracted security.

Officer Aaron M. Lucas with POET (Police Outreach Engagement Team) and his partner were the first to arrive on the scene, doing little to engage with protesters. As attendees walked towards the building, Lucas and his partner provided some of them with brief info before they continued towards the doors. Overall, they had a hands-off approach, monitored, and shared intel with other officers.

Wearing a thin blue line patch on her uniform, officer Sarah E. Velling helped two other officers pin down a protester by pressing down on their legs, as another officer pressed his knee onto the back of the person’s neck. Velling shot a man who had a history of mental health challenges, who also took several substances, during a domestic violence call. She was placed on paid administrative leave.

As cops were holding down several people during arrests, officer Michael B. Gore sprayed bright orange chemical pepper powder about two feet away from one community member’s face after another SPD officer tackled them to the ground.

Officer Cole B. Nelson controlled the crowd by walking at them and threatening to spray them. Officer Gregory P. Tomlinson, an old timer on the force, aggressively meandered around the crowd and those being arrested, shoving protesters.

Officer Andrew G. Ganem guarded the SPD van the three protesters were thrown into with a chemical weapon deployment device.

SPD officers kettled protesters to allow about 100 attendees to leave the event at once. After one person exited the building, protesters began chanting and waving signs, and officers charged, shoved them, and shouted “Move back!”

Those involved in the kettle include officer Juan M. Lujano, who was tightly gripping a baton. Lujano was hired in 2022 and about 30-years-old. Officer Robert L. Ganem, about 39, was hired in 2013 and has a history of use of force. Officer Cody V. Alidon was hired in 2017 and is about 33-years-old.

TtS is still working to identify officers. Got footage? Email us at editor@throughthestatic.org.

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