Protesters stop military transport, delay work

Trucks unable to leave as police can't muster manpower

By Jeremy Pawloski | The Olympian • Published November 10, 2007

OLYMPIA – Protesters halted shipments of some military equipment from the Port of Olympia to Fort Lewis on Friday, the result of the Olympia Police Department's lack of available manpower to move the 40 or so people who blocked the path of two trucks.

• Photos: Military Shipment Protest at the Port of Olympia

Protesters declared victory after port activity ended Friday night with the unsuccessful attempt to drive out two trucks, one carrying a Stryker vehicle and the other carrying two cargo containers.

"We're a little disappointed that we didn't get some police support, but we understand that with the resources they expended the other night, they had problems pulling all the necessary officers together," Port of Olympia Commission President Paul Telford said. "But they did a great job the other night."

He also noted that by the time the protesters stopped the two trucks from leaving about 4 p.m., the day's operations at the port were almost complete anyway.

Two nights earlier, on Wednesday, police clashed with protesters, moving groups and arresting two people who were attempting to block convoys from the port. The protests were organized by Olympia Port Militarization Resistance in opposition to the use of the port for what members say is an illegal, immoral war in Iraq. There were no convoys Thursday.

The problems the protesters are causing at the port "aren't winning them any friends," Telford said Friday. Added port spokeswoman Patti Grant, relaying a comment by port Executive Director Ed Galligan, "it's unfortunate that the protests can't be peaceful and nonobstructionist."

For most of the day Friday, trucks were able to leave unimpeded. Friday's standoff started after 3 p.m.

Olympia Police Commander Tor Bjornstad acknowledged the department's difficulty in pulling together the resources needed to remove protesters who stood or sat in the path of the trucks.

"We understand that the port and the military are disappointed about this evening," he said.