‘ENOUGH IS ENOUGH’

Cops Move in to Break Up Seattle’s Capitol Hill Organized Protest Zone on Mayor’s Orders

Mayor Jenny Durkan issued her order after four shootings in the protest zone.

Seattle cops started breaking up the Capitol Hill Organized Protest Zone on Wednesday morning after Mayor Jenny Durkan issued an executive order to vacate the area, according to local reports. King 5 News reported that police moved into the area at dawn, minutes after Durkan issued her emergency order. Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said at least 13 people were arrested during the first two hours of the police operation—leaving the area virtually cleared by daybreak. “As I have said, and I will say again, I support peaceful demonstrations,” Best said. “Black Lives Matter, and I too want to help propel this movement toward meaningful change in our community.  But enough is enough.  The CHOP has become lawless and brutal. Four shootings—two fatal—robberies, assaults, violence, and countless property crimes have occurred in this several block area. ”

Authorities confirmed on Twitter that they had moved in to arrest anyone who refused to leave the area established after the Seattle Police Department vacated the East Precinct amid protests over George Floyd.