Embattled Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan deflected growing criticism of her city’s ongoing anti-police protests over the weekend; assuring the public that everything is “fine.”
“Seattle is fine. Don’t be so afraid of democracy,” posted Durkan on social media.
Seattle is fine. Don’t be so afraid of democracy. https://t.co/o26PkJnYhA
— Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) June 12, 2020
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan stunned millions of users on social media this week; declaring her city’s ‘Autonomous Zone’ a safe space for “spaghetti potlucks, food trucks, and movies!”
“The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone #CHAZ is not a lawless wasteland of anarchist insurrection – it is a peaceful expression of our community’s collective grief and their desire to build a better world. Given his track record, it’s not hard to believe that Trump is wrong, yet again,” posted Durkan on social media.
“For the thousands of individuals who have been on Capitol Hill, I think you’ve seen what I’ve seen: The painting of Black Lives Matter along Pine Street, food trucks, spaghetti potlucks, teach-ins, and movies,” she added.
For the thousands of individuals who have been on Capitol Hill, I think you’ve seen what I’ve seen: The painting of Black Lives Matter along Pine Street, food trucks, spaghetti potlucks, teach-ins, and movies.
— Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) June 11, 2020
CUOMO: “How long do you think Seattle in those few blocks looks like this?”
DURKAN: “I don't know. We could have the summer of love.”pic.twitter.com/rv2YbiLDYL
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 12, 2020
Watch Durkan’s comments above.
BATTLE for SEATTLE: President Trump Tells Local Officials ‘Take Back Your City, OR I WILL’
President Trump vowed to restore law and order in Seattle Thursday after protesters stormed city hall, demanded the mayor’s resignation, and created a six-block ‘Autonomous Zone’ in the heart of the city.
“Radical Left Governor @JayInslee and the Mayor of Seattle are being taunted and played at a level that our great Country has never seen before. Take back your city NOW. If you don’t do it, I will. This is not a game. These ugly Anarchists must be stooped IMMEDIATELY. MOVE FAST!” posted Trump on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1270914092295950337
From Fox News:
Seattle police say they have received reports of armed guards and potential extortion in a self-declared autonomous zone that spans several blocks and includes a now-closed precinct.
“We’ve heard, anecdotally, reports of citizens and businesses being asked to pay a fee to operate within this area. This is the crime of extortion. If anyone has been subjected to this, we need them to call 911,” Assistant Chief of Police Deanna Nollette said on Wednesday.
Protesters calling to defund the police and make sweeping reforms to law enforcement tactics have declared a six-block region — spanning 13th Avenue past 11th Avenue, near Cal Anderson Park, and from East Olive Street to East Pike Street — the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (CHAZ).
The region encompasses the SPD’s East Precinct, which was abandoned by cops on Monday following days of violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters in the wake of George Floyd’s death, as well as parts of Capitol Hill.
Read the full report here.
CHAOS IN SEATTLE: Governor Says Zone ‘Peaceful,’ Police Chief Reports ‘Rapes, Robberies, Violent Acts’
Washington Governor Jay Inslee doubled-down on his support for the ‘Capital Hill Autonomous Zone’ -better known as CHAZ- Thursday night; saying the area is “peaceful” and “fundamentally American.”
“I spoke with @MayorJenny and her team about the situation on Capitol Hill. Although unpermitted, and we should remember we are still in a pandemic, the area is largely peaceful. Peaceful protests are fundamentally American, and I am hopeful there will be a peaceful resolution,” posted Inslee on social media.
“This is a challenging time. Many in our state are expressing heartfelt outrage at the very real racial injustices in our society. We have work to do now and in the future to both advance equity and protect the gains we’ve made,” he added.
I spoke with @MayorJenny and her team about the situation on Capitol Hill. Although unpermitted, and we should remember we are still in a pandemic, the area is largely peaceful. Peaceful protests are fundamentally American, and I am hopeful there will be a peaceful resolution.
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) June 11, 2020
Seattle Police Chief says that “rapes, robberies and all sorts of violent acts have been occurring” in the autonomous zone.pic.twitter.com/fKiCgWqj30
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 12, 2020
“Rapes, robberies, and all sorts of violent acts have been occurring in the area, and we’re not able to get to it. It is not a right for us not to be able to deploy our officers here,” said the Seattle Police Chief.