Seattle: Two anarchists charged in pre-May Day vandalism

Charge: Anarchists caught painting ‘Kidnap the mayor’ on downtown building

Two Seattle residents accused of vandalizing the Moore Theater and several other buildings prior to the May 1 protests are now facing felony charges.

King County prosecutors contend Kristin L. Sposito and Brian P. Greenwood painted anarchist slogans on downtown buildings weeks before May Day, when black-clad protestors smashed windows around downtown Seattle.

Writing the court, Deputy Prosecutor Benjamin Carr contended Sposito, 32, and Greenwood, 30, caused about $14,400 in damage during a spray painting spree in the early hours of April 16. Among their additions to the cityscape, according to charging documents, were the slogans “Kidnap the mayor” and “Burn (Expletive) Mayday!” as well as various anarchist symbols.

According to charging documents, the vandalism was first discovered at midnight by a garbage collector working near the Moore Theater.

The man spotted two vandals – since identified as Sposito and Greenwood – spray painting “General Strike Mayday” and a circled letter A on an alley wall of the theater, Detective Chris Young told the court. The pair ran as the garbage collector called 911.

Minutes later, a security guard at an office complex in the 1300 block of Second Avenue also spotted a man painting the anarchist symbol on that building, the detective continued. A woman appeared to be acting as a lookout; both fled after the guard spotted them.

A Seattle police officer patrolling the area stopped Sposito and Greenwood just before 1 a.m. At the time, Greenwood was wearing a black mask over his face.

Young told the court that both tried to run from officers. Sposito is alleged to have dug her fingernails into the hand of one arresting officer, and was brought to the ground and handcuffed.

Officers recovered two cans of spray paint from Greenwood’s backpack, and noted Greenwood had bright green paint on his hands, the detective continued. The paint matched graffiti found at several locations downtown.

The guard and trash collector identified both as the vandals, Young added.

Greenwood and Sposito, both of Seattle, have been charged with first-degree malicious mischief and third-degree malicious mischief. Neither is currently jailed in the case.