Full Notification

Press Release from City of Anacortes 4-22-2016

APD Release 4-27-2016

Public safety officials in Anacortes are preparing for a large scale demonstration in Anacortes and the March’s Point area from May 13th through the 15th. While we anticipate large crowds, we believe that the vast majority of protestors will be peaceful and will not adversely impact our community. We will protect their first amendment rights to the best of our ability and do our best to ensure their safety. We welcome them to our community and ask that they respect the rights of the people who live and work here.

We know there are those who want to engage in acts of civil disobedience that violate the law. Police will enforce the law and make arrests when appropriate. Responders are concerned that any attempts to interrupt the oil refining process could pose safety risks to refinery workers and the surrounding neighbors. Due to the safety risks involved with unauthorized people entering the secure areas surrounding the refineries, persons doing so will be subject to immediate arrest.

Unfortunately, there may be small groups of individuals who have embedded themselves with the protestors whose only purpose is to damage property, incite violence, and disrupt the flow of normal services in our area. This community has no tolerance for that type of activity and those who engage in it will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Some delays and road closures are expected in Anacortes and the March’s Point area to accommodate the event. Officials anticipate that protesters may arrive by bicycle, kayak, and motor vehicles.