Violence at Mardi Gras

It should have been a party, but the five nights of Mardi Gras 2001 degenerated into into rioting, vandalism and brutal assaults. Chaos consumed Pioneer Square on "Fat Tuesday" and one man was mortally wounded before police dispelled the crowds. In the aftermath, America's most livable city struggles to come to terms with what happened.

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Mardi Gras task force says more
events need city supervision, permits
In the wake of this year's Mardi Gras mayhem, a task force is set to recommend the city play a greater role in scrutinizing special events like Fat Tuesday.

Unveiling a Mardi Gras makeover
Future Pioneer Square Mardi Gras celebrations will have more family-oriented activities, and even a different name, in an attempt to cut down on the drunken mayhem that left one man dead and scores injured during this year's Fat Tuesday party.

CANDY HATCHER    Truth and justice can flourish only in the open What's with the leaders in Pioneer Square demanding secrecy to discuss the Mardi Gras riots? Why hide from the cameras now? >> Why did crowds tolerate sex assaults? >> This city needs Lent to reflect on mayhem

ROBERT L. JAMIESON Jr.    A miracle is revealed, one life after another The day Kim Kime-Parks set eyes on the 17-year-old charged with murdering her son, she received two letters. Both writers had received something that her son, Kristopher, had vowed to give: The gift of life. >> Words and action can start the healing >> Mardi Gras thugs: Meet one of your victims >> On riots, race and a look at reality

The real Mardi Gras scandal
David Horsey: Seattle has glimpsed the heart of its own darkness. Few were eager to look at first. Some purposely tried to find someone else to blame, some simpler questions to ponder, something easier to gaze upon than the shocking wickedness of Mardi Gras night in Pioneer Square.
>> See Horsey's related editorial cartoon
>> Kimberly Mills: Where were their parents?
>> Thomas Shapley: Don't confuse Mardi Gras misdemeanors with felonies

The following headlines document the community's reaction following the Pioneer Square riots and the creation of the Mardi Gras task force.

>> Susan Paynter: Community reacts to violence with mentoring program
>> Panel wants to see Mardi Gras be more appealing to families
>> St. Louis becomes Mardi Gras role model
>> Tapes amplify concerns over riot
>> Transcripts show extent of police inaction
>> Race charges won't be filed against teen arrested in melee
>> Police disband Mardi Gras task force, declaring victory
>> Outsiders to review Mardi Gras riot
>> Police arrest 35th of 70 Mardi Gras suspects
>> Mardi Gras hearings go public
>> Mardi Gras task force meetings remain closed
>> Another council member quits Mardi Gras task force
>> Mardi Gras task force to continue closed meetings
>> Conlin quits Mardi Gras task force, calling for open meetings
>> Riot blame shifts to clubs
>> Suspect pleads not guilty to murder, assault in Kime case
>> Police union votes for outside review of Fat Tuesday tactics
>> Popular Garfield student arrested in Fat Tuesday assault
>> Police guild mulls taking no-confidence vote in chief
>> Teen charged in Mardi Gras killing
>> Teenager arrested in Mardi Gras killing
>> Media coverage of Mardi Gras events draws criticism at forum
>> Racism is 'going both ways'
>> Police union sets reward in Kime slaying
>> Three-fourths of Fat Tuesday crime suspects are black, police say
>> Pioneer Square -- it really has three sides
>> Summit 'affirms' police strategy on Mardi Gras
>> Vigil brings prayer for lost souls: Youth's and city's
>> Many sexual assaults at Mardi Gras
>> Nickels on Mardi Gras: 'It's about leadership'
>> Editorial: Don't confuse critics, criminals
>> Opinion: The meaning of Ash Wednesday
>> Police honor youth slain during Mardi Gras
>> Seattle officer sends letter of apology to Kime's mother
>> Candidate Nickels faults mayor, chief in Fat Tuesday riots
>> Mardi Gras riot suspect is charged
>> Police tactics during Mardi Gras riot questioned at forum
>> Blacks 'vilified' over Fat Tuesday
>> Mother of man killed by Fat Tuesday mob scolds police
>> 'No more Fat Tuesday,' mayor declares
>> Racial healing is sought after Mardi Gras riot
>> Two more arrested in Mardi Gras riot
>> Editorial: No other Mardi Gras like this one

Coverage of the events immediately surrounding the Pioneer Square riots.

>> Fat Tuesday ends in rioting and tear gas
>> Pressure building at Mardi Gras
>> Police regroup to quell riots in Pioneer Square
>> Second night of Mardi Gras partying ends in violence
>> Mardi Gras revelers clash with police

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