Seattle Officer Injured By ANTIFA Speaks Out: 'They Were There To Hurt Us'

SEATTLE—A Seattle Police officer who was the most seriously hurt in a riot last weekend is speaking out.

The Seattle Police Department says in all, 59 officers were injured in the violent clashes with protesters outside the East Precinct on July 25.

Officer Ellie Khalifé says she is really frustrated and disheartened. She told KOMO News she supports peaceful protesters and has had conversations with them about change, but she’s upset with the people who are violent and want to hurt police officers like her.

“I’m feeling hurt, physically and emotionally. I didn’t expect this to happen,” said Khalifé. “We’re human beings, behind the badge, we are people just like them, we decided to do this for a living because who else is going to do it.”

SPD said protesters set buildings on fire and threw explosives, bottles and rocks at officers.

One of those rocks hit one of her legs and she twisted a knee. Now she has a torn meniscus, needing surgery and physical therapy.

“You could see the fireworks being thrown in our direction and you really have to move,” said Khalifé. “A rock’s coming, you dodge, you have to move. It’s a scene like no other, it’s surreal, it felt like I was in the middle of a movie.”