George Floyd protests Vol. 7 - Day 9

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian After another incident of police using tear gas and flash bangs on protestors, the blockade was pushed up even further to clear out the 11th Avenue and Pine intersection. Cops began to slowly draw their line back as protestors followed and remained close.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian Overdressed for the occasion? A cop flaunts his rubber bullet rifle while decked out in riot gear as the police held a line to quell a backlash from protestors who were recently fired upon with flash bangs and tear gas after they reportedly knocked over several blockade gates.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian A sea of cops and National Guard flooded the intersection of 11^th Avenue and Pine Street after their use of tear gas and flash bangs on a Saturday afternoon protest group.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian The National Guard presence has been in full swing since the protests in Seattle began in late May. Here, they served as a temporary first line of defense as the police attempted to re-situate themselves and the blockade at the 11^th Avenue and Pine Street intersection.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian A long line of National Guard peers toward protestors who were recently fired upon with tear gas and flash bangs by police forces. It was not uncommon to hear protestors questioning whose side the National Guard was really on.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian A continued display of vehement disapproval of military-esque tactics used by police and National Guard toward protestors.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian National Guard and police alike were all suited up in riot gear attire on Saturday afternoon.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian A protestor marches back and forth along the front-line protesting police corruption and brutality. The police and National Guard’s continued use of force toward protestors propelled many people to speak out against their tactics.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian Although police and National Guard make a point to display a “minimal” presence during protests, an escalated event reveals just how many are waiting to act nearby.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian Umbrellas, used as both a symbol and a shield, popped up exponentially as the police and National Guard force also exponentially increased on Saturday afternoon.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian Several police having a small discussion as they maintain their line at the 11^th Avenue and Pine Intersection.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian The front end of the protest transformed into a canopy of umbrellas, used to deflect any potential flash bangs or tear gas that police fired at protestors just an hour before this photo.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian Two protestors embrace and console one another during another heated day between protestors, police and National Guard.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian A protestor holds a sign that highlights all the acts, both subtle and discernible, that are taken against black lives.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian Protestors continue to arrive with a variety of signs that display the issues concerning police brutality toward black lives, as well as the overarching systemic issues that promote such realities.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian Another view of umbrellas used by protestors in anticipation of the police and National Guard employing more aggressive tactics.

Jordan Somers | The Seattle Collegian The rooftop police presence grew more constant throughout the week of protests at 11th Avenue and Pine Street, shining lights and lasers to identify anyone who they felt were causing a disturbance.