On Saturday, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued three emergency orders after escalated violence and destruction erupted in downtown Seattle after a peaceful protest of the death of George Floyd, who was recently killed by a Minneapolis police officer, took place.
The demonstrations were initially peaceful, however, they swiftly turned violent and led to multiple fires being intentionally set downtown in the late afternoon.
According to officials, demonstrators looted stores in downtown Seattle, threw bottles at police officers, lit fireworks into crowds, set several Seattle Police vehicles on fire, threw Molotov cocktails at vehicles, and injured several citizens and police officers. In addition, two AR-15 rifles were stolen from SPD vehicles, one recovered and one outstanding.
In response to the violence in downtown Seattle, Durkan issued a proclamation of civil emergency, grants the Mayor emergency authority to take measures to address imminent threats to public health and safety caused by demonstrations citywide; and an order prohibits the use of weapons including guns, rocks, pipes, clubs, and flares citywide. Durkan also issued an Emergency Order establishing a 5:00 p.m. curfew effective today, May 30 and tomorrow, May 31. The curfew will be in effect from 5:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m., and during those hours residents and visitors should remain in their residence to the extent possible and should refrain from traveling in and through Seattle.
“Today, community members across Seattle came together to grieve, to protest and to commit themselves to the cause of justice. Coming together is a right we all honor and cherish,” said Durkan. “For hours today, individuals marched and gathered peacefully. They grieved and built community that is so necessary during these trying times.
“However, late this afternoon, some demonstrations swiftly turned violent and led to multiple fires being intentionally set downtown,” added Durkan. “Molotov cocktails were thrown, lit fireworks were launched into peaceful crowds, and our firefighters couldn’t access burning buildings because of the crowds.
Durkan and Chief of Police Carmen Best submitted a request to the State Emergency Operations Center for 200 unarmed National Guard personnel to immediately assist with infrastructure protection and traffic and crowd management in Seattle for the next seven days. The request has been granted by Governor Inslee.
According to official, the temporary curfew issued by Durkan is intended to preserve the safety of residents by keeping the streets safe and accessible for essential workers and first responders and preventing the further spread of COVID-19.
The temporary curfew does not impact people who:
• need to commute to work during these hours,
• are experiencing homelessness,
• are in a medical emergency or a dangerous situation.
The curfew does not require businesses to close, and it will not alter public transit.
Pictorial Highlights Of George Floyd Protest In Seattle
