But the arrest last week of Ahmed Ressam, who had reserved a motel room near the center while allegedly attempting to bring nitroglycerin, other explosives and four timing devices from Canada, may put a damper on the event. Federal agents hunted for a man believed to have stayed in a Vancouver, British Columbia, motel with Ressam before the crossing Dec. 14. In a way, it brings home to Seattle some of the terrible, frightening terrorist threats. As many as 45,000 protesters blocked downtown streets, with a few dozen smashing windows, setting fires and slashing police car tires. A police crackdown resulted in more than 500 arrests and led to allegations of police mistreatment.
Crazy people do crazy things.
City officials were accused of failing to prepare for WTO protests and to have enough police available. Seattle police said they will apply some of the lessons learned and will have as many as 900 officers on the street for New Year's. Police spokesman Clem Benton declined to comment on Ressam's case and its effect on police planning. Change Your Mind. Change Your Life.