During a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Seattle on Sunday, a driver deliberately drove his vehicle into a gathering of protesters, resulting in one individual being shot. The victim, identified as 27-year-old Oliver Bennett, is currently hospitalized following the incident, which occurred during a rally opposing police brutality.
Footage shared on social media shows a black car speeding toward a sizable crowd of demonstrators. As protesters attempted to halt the vehicle, Bennett approached the driver’s side window. Suddenly, a gunshot was fired, striking him and causing him to stagger backward. The driver then exited the vehicle brandishing what appeared to be a firearm and attempted to blend into the crowd. Although the Seattle Police have not released the gunman’s identity, they confirmed he was apprehended shortly after.
Bennett was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he underwent surgery for a fracture to his arm caused by the gunfire. Hospital spokesperson Lisa Jordan reported that he was in “stable” condition prior to the procedure.
Seattle Police Chief Maria Thompson recounted the event, stating, “The suspect drove directly into the crowd in the Capitol Hill area. As the crowd tried to stop him, one individual engaged with the driver, who then pulled out a gun and shot at him.” When questioned about the possibility of the driver being unaware of the protest, Thompson dismissed the idea, emphasizing the size of the crowd. “It’s hard to believe he didn’t see the thousands present when he drove straight into them. There were no mechanical issues with the vehicle, and after stopping, the suspect displayed a firearm and shot at Bennett,” she explained. “It seems unlikely that this was an accident.”
This shooting unfolded as protests continued nationwide, with Seattle marking its tenth consecutive day of demonstrations. Earlier in the week, Chief Thompson and Seattle Mayor Rachel Green discussed the police department’s approach to handling the protests, announcing a temporary ban on the use of tear gas, except in life-threatening situations. However, multiple reports indicate that police employed tear gas, flashbangs, and pepper spray during the protest where Bennett was shot. Seattle City Councilmember Mia Tran, who was present at the demonstration, tweeted, “Just got gassed with hundreds of others by Seattle police at 11th & Pine. There was no provocation. We were merely asking to march! Shameful violence under Mayor Green. The tear gas ban is meaningless.” Thompson responded by stating that police actions were dictated by the crowd’s behavior.
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In summary, the incident highlights the escalating tensions during protests and raises questions about public safety and police response. With one individual injured by gunfire after a vehicle was deliberately driven into a crowd, the implications of these events continue to resonate within the community.