Juneau man arrested for assault during political protest in Sitka

Marshall Albertson and Pietr K. Dabuluz face off at the roundabout Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, during the weekly Trump protest and counter-protest in this still taken from video of a short fight. (Photo provided to the Sentinel)

By Daily Sitka Sentinel staff

A Juneau man was charged with two felony assaults, theft, criminal mischief and robbery on Saturday, Aug. 30, following a fight during an afternoon protest at the roundabout that sent one man to the hospital.

Pietr K. Dabaluz, 19, was arraigned Sunday, Aug. 31, and released on $1,500 bail.

The roundabout has become the site of demonstrations at noon every Saturday for and against the policies of President Trump.

In a news release the police said police dispatch received "numerous" 911 emergency calls at 12:26 p.m. Saturday reporting a fight in progress at the Lake Street-Sawmill Creek Road roundabout.

"Officers responded to the scene and made contact with three persons who were involved in the fight, along with witnesses to the fight." the news release said.

"The investigation led to the arrest of Pietr K. Dabaluz, 19 years old, of Juneau. Dabaluz was arrested and remanded for two felony assaults, robbery, and criminal mischief."

The news release concluded:

"...Dabaluz did not agree with the views of the group supporting Israel or Trump. Dabaluz walked across the roundabout and took the flag of Israel and assaulted Steve Lee (49 yoa of Sitka) with the flag before throwing the flag into Swan Lake. Marshall Albertson (59 yoa of Sitka) rushed to aid Lee. Dabaluz and Albertson were engaged in an argument when Dabaluz attacked Albertson, striking him repeatedly, resulting in serious injury. Albertson went to the hospital by private vehicle. Alberteson suffered a broken nose and a concussion from the assault.

"No one involved in the fight was armed with a firearm."

On Saturday the pro-Trump contingent also flew the national flag of Israel. Police said Dabaluz seized the Israeli flag and assaulted Steve Lee, 49, of Sitka who was with one of two groups of protesters, before throwing the flag in Swan Lake. Marshall Albertson, 59, went to Lee's aid and argued with Dabaluz before being struck repeatedly, suffering a broken nose and a concussion, police said. Albertson went to the hospital in a private vehicle.

• This article originally appeared in the Daily Sitka Sentinel.