Arrests continue at Port of Olympia

OLYMPIA — At least three more protesters were arrested Sunday as demonstrations continued against shipments of military cargo through the Port of Olympia.

Others were sprayed with pepper spray by police as they tried to block trucks hauling equipment to Fort Lewis after it was unloaded from a ship carrying the gear back from Iraq.

Protests at the Port began Tuesday, after the USNS Brittin arrived and began unloading equipment that had been used in Iraq by the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis.

On Saturday, 12 people were arrested.

The protesters were greeted by critics who accused them of being disrespectful of veterans.

"I would think what they are doing is a disgrace to our veterans," Shelley Webber told The Olympian newspaper.

Port officials said they could not comment on how much military equipment might remain at the Port, waiting to be moved.

Protesters began marching about 8:45 a.m. As 18-wheelers towing cargo began rolling down Market Street about five minutes later, two protesters lay down in the road, creating a human blockade. Police officers sprayed both with pepper spray. Another caravan of vehicles began leaving the Port about 9:45 a.m., prompting protesters to run out ahead of those vehicles.