Police Department

Spokane Police Department Statement on June 14 “No Kings” Demonstration Following Pride Parade

Sgt. Teresa Fuller Traffic Unit - PIO

Monday, June 16, 2025 at 9:58 a.m.

The Spokane Police Department (SPD) recognizes and respects the importance of free expression and the right to peaceful protest, including demonstrations that followed the Pride Parade on June 14, 2025. SPD remains committed to protecting these rights while ensuring the safety of all community members, including demonstrators, residents, and downtown visitors.

What began as a peaceful protest in Spokane's iconic Riverfront Park transitioned into a more fluid and dynamic event as the day progressed. At approximately 5:00 p.m., a crowd estimated to be in the thousands began gathering and marching through the downtown core. SPD Tactical (TAC) Team dialogue officers maintained open lines of communication with protest organizers to support the demonstration while addressing safety concerns. This dialogue, initiated in the morning with organizers, continued unabated throughout the day's activities, and is credited with the overall success of this event.

As the event continued into the evening, officers issued multiple warnings to remain within permitted areas and avoid main thoroughfares where large pedestrian gatherings could disrupt critical traffic routes and create unsafe conditions for both participants and motorists. Most demonstrators remained cooperative with these directives. As time passed, the size of the crowd marching decreased steadily.

By approximately 8:00 p.m., the crowd had significantly decreased in size. Those remaining were again advised to vacate the roadways and follow all applicable laws to help ensure a safe conclusion to the day’s activities. At 8:44 p.m., dispersal orders were issued in response to continued roadway obstruction. Direct challenges and increasingly aggressive behavior towards the officers changed the tenor and tone of what had been a productive dialogue. Beginning at 8:58 p.m., arrests were made for failure to disperse. Officers deployed inert smoke and pepper balls at the feet of those resistant to leaving the roadway shortly after 9:00 p.m. as part of efforts to gain compliance and minimize further disruption. In total, 11 individuals were arrested for failure to disperse. One of those individuals also faces charges of malicious mischief related to spray-painting City of Spokane property.

Despite some online reports, a curfew was never in place Saturday night. Additionally, SPD communicated with leadership at River Park Square Mall, asking them to direct people leaving the mall toward the south entrances. SPD did not order evacuations at the mall. 

“Spokane Pride organizers do everything we can to make this weekend as safe and joyful as possible. That includes working closely with the City of Spokane, Spokane Police, and community partners. This year’s event went as planned, and we are glad everyone had fun,” said Matthew Danielson, Executive Director of Spokane Pride. 

“The Spokane Police Department fully supports the right to peaceful protest and remains committed to protecting that right while ensuring the safety of everyone in our community. Your officers worked tirelessly throughout the day to facilitate a safe demonstration and maintain open dialogue with organizers,” Chief Kevin Hall said. While the vast majority of participants were cooperative, we had to act when safety, including that of the demonstrators, was at risk. We will continue to review our actions to ensure they reflect our values of professionalism, accountability, and respect for Constitutional rights.”

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