Margaret Aislinn Channon, Arson, Washington 2020

Tacoma Woman Charged with Arson for Burning Police Cars in Downtown Seattle.

Margaret Aislinn Channon, 26, pleaded guilty to arson for setting five Seattle Police vehicles ablaze in downtown Seattle on May 30, 2020. The devastating act of arson occurred in the area of Sixth and Pine, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. According to the plea agreement, Channon was identified through distinctive clothing and tattoos she wore in videos from the protest.

The footage, which captured Channon using fire and aerosol cans to set the vehicles on fire, also showed her entering various stores and removing items of clothing. She was caught on camera smashing the window at the Verizon Store and destroying the electronic cash register at a nearby sandwich shop.

Investigators were able to identify Channon through her clothing, tattoos, and information from her various social media accounts. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Channon’s Tacoma residence and seized clothing and accessories that appeared in some of the videos from the arsons.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Channon is responsible for restitution, the amount of which will be determined at sentencing. Arson is punishable by a mandatory minimum 5 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison. Both sides have agreed to recommend 5 years in prison, which will be up to Judge John C. Coughenour to determine.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Seattle Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case.

Channon is scheduled for sentencing by Judge Coughenour on January 18, 2022. The devastating act of arson has had a lasting impact on the community, and the punishment handed down will serve as a reminder of the severity of such crimes.

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