An ongoing strike by 33,000 Boeing machinists took a potentially dangerous turn as a security guard displayed a gun following an altercation with workers walking a picket line on Monday outside the airplane manufacturer’s main hub in Seattle.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to “reports of a disturbance” at a Boeing parts distribution center at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport early Monday morning, a spokesperson for the King County Sheriff’s Office told CBS MoneyWatch, noting reports of protestors blocking access to the property.
A security guard flashed a gun as he was leaving the premises, although there was no indication he pointed it at anyone and he left without further incident, according to the sheriff’s department.
Boeing called the incident “unacceptable” and said that the contract security guard involved would not be returning to the company.
“We respect our employees’ right to picket peacefully and believe everyone should feel safe. We’re cooperating with the King County Sheriff’s Office as they investigate,” the aircraft manufacturer said in a statement.