A fatal riot during Mardi Gras in Seattle's Pioneer Square left one dead, dozens injured, and prompted a city-wide moratorium on large Mardi Gras events.
Key Facts
- Date
- February 27, 2001
- Duration
- Approximately 3.5 hours
- Fatalities
- 1 (Kris Kime)
- Injuries reported
- Approximately 70
- Property damage
- Exceeded $100,000 USD
- Location
- Pioneer Square neighborhood, Seattle
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Large crowds gathered in Seattle's Pioneer Square district for Mardi Gras celebrations on Fat Tuesday, February 27, 2001. Disturbances had been building in the days leading up to the event, and the police department failed to intervene adequately as tensions escalated among revelers.
Over roughly three and a half hours, widespread brawling, vandalism, sexual assaults, and random attacks on revelers broke out in Pioneer Square. One man, Kris Kime, died from injuries sustained while attempting to assist a woman who was being attacked. About 70 people were injured and business damage exceeded $100,000.
The riot triggered intense scrutiny of the Seattle mayor and police chief for their handling of the event. Allegations of police misconduct followed. The city imposed a moratorium on large Mardi Gras celebrations, and the Pioneer Square neighborhood's reputation suffered lasting damage. It was Seattle's second major riot in under two years.
Political Outcome
City imposed a moratorium on large Mardi Gras celebrations; mayor and police chief faced intense public scrutiny and allegations of misconduct.