Port protesters' civil trial begins today in Tacoma

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published November 04, 2009

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The actions of the city and its police officers during the Port of Olympia protests two years ago will go on trial, starting today.

William Hamilton and Larry Mosqueda allege in their lawsuit that the city and officers violated their civil rights. It is the first civil trial arising out of the protests, which resulted in dozen of arrests as anti-war demonstrators tried to prevent military equipment that assisted combat efforts in Iraq from returning to the Army post.

Hamilton alleges officers pepper-sprayed him near the protest site Nov. 10, 2007. He alleged officers stuck him with batons and pepper-spray projectiles the following day. Mosqueda alleged he was hit with pepper spray Nov. 10 during a protest at Fourth Avenue and Plum Street.

The city denies the allegations.

The trial will begin at 9:30 a.m. with jury selection in U.S. District Court in Tacoma. Opening statements will begin after the jury is chosen. U.S. District Judge Robert Bryan will preside.

The trial is scheduled to last between four and six days.

Hamilton and Mosqueda seek damages to be determined by the jury.