Actually, a different story on our local news made clear just how well played this was by the Seattle Police. This group's only goal was to be arrested, and make a big public display of it. Every time the failed to get arrested, they tried to up the ante. Seattle police decided not to let them have that attention. They blocked traffic far from the protesters and didn't let anyone near.
What's the most annoying thing you can do to a protester?
Ignore him. Don't give him the attention he seeks.
Seattle may be crazy town... but the Seattle Police are pretty experienced with handling crazies... They played this right, and saved the taxpayers the expense of dealing with them.
Thanks for a different perspective.