Anarchists’ reign over
Mayor moves to clear ‘occupied’ protest zone after weeks of violence
Faced with growing pressure to crack down on an “occupied” protest zone, Seattle’s mayor has declared officials will move to wind back the blocks-long span of city streets taken over by “anarchists” two weeks ago.
Mayor Jenny Durkan said the around-the-clock violence was distracting from changes sought by thousands of peaceful protesters seeking to address racial inequity and police brutality.
Ms Durkan said the city was working with the community to bring the “Capitol Hill Occupied Protest” zone to an end.
“The cumulative impacts of the gatherings and protests and the night-time atmosphere and violence has led to increasingly difficult circumstances for our businesses and residents,” Ms Durkan said.
“The impacts have increased and the safety has decreased,” she said.
A shooting on Sunday night was the second in less than 48 hours at the edge of the zone – named for the Capitol Hill neighbourhood near downtown – which emerged during nationwide protests over the police killing of George Floyd.
The 17-year-old victim in the latest shooting declined to speak with police.
Gunfire early Saturday left a 19-year-old man dead and another person critically wounded. It was not apparent if the shootings had anything to do with the protest.
Protesters have cordoned off several blocks near a police station after clashes with officers.
Seattle riot squads have unleashed tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bangs on large crowds of mostly peaceful protesters, drawing condemnation from many city leaders and a federal court order temporarily banning the use of the weapons on demonstrators. The existence of the protest zone has incensed President Donald Trump, who has labelled its organisers “anarchists”.
While violence has reigned supreme at night, the days have been relatively peaceful.
Yesterday, people lounged on the grass at a park, while volunteers handed out food, water and toiletries. Artists painted designs on wooden barricades, and a few candles burned in front of a sign on the police precinct listing the names of people who have been killed by police. At night, however, the atmosphere becomes more charged, with demonstrators marching and openly armed volunteer guards keeping watch.
Among the demands are calls to shift funding for police to community health or other social justice causes.