Passerby Says Police Harassed Young Muslims Offering Hugs at Pike Place Market

[Kennah]

http://www.thestranger.com/blogs/slog/2015/02/23/21769209/young-muslims-offering-hugs-at-pike-place-market-seen-harassed-by-police

Yesterday (February 22), at around 4:40 pm, two young men were, according to a witness, seen standing at Pike Place Market with a sign that read:

"I'm a Muslim. People Label Me A Terrorist. If You trust Me, Give Me a Hug."

They were "men of color" who had blindfoldeded themselves and had outstretched their arms, the witness said. Apparently, some people did trust them and gave them hugs. The SPD and market security, however, did not trust this kind of behavior and harassed the young men, the witness told me in an e-mail:

The SPD asked for ID, got in their faces, threatened to mail a ticket. Another woman and I intervened—explaining the first amendment (public sidewalk), etc. The cop finally started to step back...

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Are you fucking kidding me?!!!

[Phlem]

1. I'm so happy an informed woman came by.

Why it's so important for ALL of us to be informed.

Even though it looks bad on it's face, this is a very heartening situation.

[Kennah]

3. You are absolutely correct

Her stepping up and shining the light, and a camera, on this situation is awesome.

[Phlem]

4. Yes! I wish there were more like her.

I wish everyone the courage to stand up and right the wrong, where ever they may be. Power to the people! Power to her! She was in the right place at the right time, and if the current citizenry felt confident in their knowledge, this would happen a lot more often, everywhere!

[Jamaal510]

2. Shameful. nt