Deputies investigating possible hate crime after racial slurs used in Lynnwood bar attack



LYNNWOOD, Wash. - The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office made several arrests after a fight broke out at the Rec Room Tavern in Lynnwood early Saturday, and now the attackers are being called out for their reported ties to white supremacist groups.

Emergency dispatchers received reports of a fight around 12:40 a.m. involving 15 to 20 people inside, according to the sheriff's office.

"According to witnesses, the suspects came into the bar and began harassing the disc jockey, who was an adult black male.  The suspects were white and using racial slurs during the incident.  Reportedly the disc jockey was assaulted and some of his equipment was damaged during the fight.  The victim was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries," the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

The bar's general manager, Jayson Baum, told Q13 that the suspects had not been seen in the minority-owned neighborhood bar before that night. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the suspects have ties to white supremacist groups. Baum was also injured when he tried to intervene.

"For all this to happen, it’s really emotionally hurting, because we have nothing to do with anything except trying to serve our community, and for something like this to happen, it’s incredibly terrifying," Baum said.

As deputies arrived to the scene, the suspects were seen leaving the scene.  A Snohomish County Sheriff's Sergeant stopped one of the vehicles and arrested the six adults found inside.

Another vehicle was stopped in the area by officers from Lynnwood police and took more people into custody.

Nine adults have been arrested for malicious harassment, assault, malicious mischief and driving under the influence of intoxicants.