Burien, Des Moines Leaders Condemn Violence After Assault of 80-Year-Old Veteran at Protest

An 80-year-old Burien veteran who says he was assaulted during a June 10 anti-ICE demonstration in Burien remains at the center of an active King County Sheriff's Office investigation, with detectives now seeking the public's help identifying a suspect.

The incident has also drawn responses from officials in both Burien and Des Moines after concerned residents contacted city leaders and asked them to address what they described as a violent attack on an elderly veteran exercising his First Amendment rights.

The first official response came from Des Moines City Manager Katherine Caffrey on June 15. Two days later, Burien Mayor Sarah Moore responded after meeting with Interim City Manager Bob Larson, Deputy Mayor Hugo Garcia, and Burien Police Chief Tom Calabrese regarding the ongoing investigation.

Despite coming from different cities and at different times, both responses delivered a similar message: violence has no place in public demonstrations, and individuals should be able to exercise their First Amendment rights without fear of retaliation.

"The City of Des Moines supports the constitutional rights of all individuals to peacefully express their views and participate in civic discourse," Caffrey wrote. "We do not condone violence or unlawful behavior of any kind."

Moore echoed those concerns.

"It is my conviction that Burien must be and remain a city where everyone can safely exercise their First Amendment rights, including the right for parties who disagree, to both protest without fear of violence," she wrote.

The veteran, who requested anonymity due to concerns about retaliation, previously told The Highline Journal he attended an anti-ICE demonstration near Southwest 148th Street and Ambaum Boulevard Southwest to peacefully express support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

He alleges he was surrounded by demonstrators, thrown to the ground, and assaulted. Video provided to the King County Sheriff's Office and reviewed by The Highline Journal shows portions of the confrontation, including the veteran ending up on the ground. In a follow-up interview, the veteran said he was then punched several times while lying on the pavement.

The King County Sheriff's Office previously confirmed that deputies responded to the scene and documented an assault.

Suspect photos released.

On June 17, detectives released photographs of a suspect and asked for the public's help identifying him. The released images show a man investigators believe may have information about or involvement in the incident, including one photograph showing the suspect wearing a shirt reading "Anti-Fascism No Kings in America."

The Highline Journal also contacted Des Moines Indivisible seeking comment regarding the incident and whether the organization condemns violence at political demonstrations.

As of publication, the organization has not responded.

An email reviewed by The Highline Journal shows notice of the June 10 anti-ICE demonstration was distributed to members of Des Moines Indivisible before the event. However, the organization has not publicly claimed responsibility for organizing the demonstration.

Residents who contacted city officials argued that public leaders should speak out against political violence and help ensure residents, “including octogenarians" can express their views without fear of being assaulted.

Both city responses emphasized support for peaceful civic engagement while noting that the investigation remains active.

City Leaders Respond - Full Statements

In response to concerns raised by residents, both Burien and Des Moines officials emphasized support for free speech while condemning violence.

Response from Des Moines City Manager Katherine Caffrey

"Thank you for your email and for sharing your concerns.

The City of Des Moines supports the constitutional rights of all individuals to peacefully express their views and participate in civic discourse, regardless of their political beliefs, affiliations, or positions on public issues. At the same time, we strongly encourage peaceful demonstrations and respectful engagement, and we do not condone violence or unlawful behavior of any kind.

We reached out to Burien Police, and they confirmed they are actively investigating this incident. Because the event occurred within the city of Burien, any investigation related to the incident is under their jurisdiction. The City of Des Moines stands ready to assist if requested by Burien Police; however, we are not the investigating agency and will defer to their process and findings."

Response from Burien Mayor Sarah Moore

"Today Deputy Mayor Garcia, Bob Larson and I met with Chief Calabrese to discuss this troubling incident. It is currently under active investigation, and a suspect has not been named. Chief Calabrese emphasized that he is working with Des Moines Chief Boe, and that the King County Sheriff's Office is seeking any information available to help the investigation.

I have spoken with Des Moines Mayor Matsui, who shares my concern about the rights of all residents to practice free speech without retaliation. It is my conviction that Burien must be and remain a city where everyone can safely exercise their First Amendment rights, including the right for parties who disagree, to both protest without fear of violence.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention."

This is an ongoing investigation, and The Highline Journal will continue reporting.