Showing posts with label resistance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label resistance. Show all posts

BLM supporters gather to chalk positive messages in support of Black teen

Saturday, August 8, 2020



Photo and story by Steve Schneider

On Thursday August 6, 2020 a group of about 100 people came out to support a young Black woman that had been accosted by a neighbor.



People were writing words of encouragement with chalk on 9th Ave NE around NE 160th St. This  young woman is one of the young organizers in BLM Shoreline, which has been putting out really great daily information to educate folks about issues and events.



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Student Video Action: Free People From ICE Detention

Saturday, August 1, 2020

From Maria Solano Arauz
WA State Student Activist Coordinator 
Amnesty International USA 

The Amnesty International chapter at Shorewood High School is currently planning a video action aimed at Governor Inslee.

The video will consist of a Shorewood student’s poem and a collection of photos of Washingtonians with their families and families from other key states.

We are collaborating with other chapters in other states but the idea was from Shorewood and all the video efforts are being led by the Shorewood chapter.  

The video is meant to highlight the importance of families belonging together - and that no families should be separated by detention. 

In addition, individuals detained in Washington should be released to join their families and communities in the U.S.

As we continue to enjoy summer, we must remember that immigrants and asylum-seekers are being denied their freedom; they should be free and safe, not locked up in danger.

We know that our community partners only strengthen our work, and we would love for you to be involved. We would like to invite you to participate in our action, specifically to share a photo of you with your family.

We have set up a Dropbox where you can upload photos directly. Our goal is to reach 50 photos by August 12; please share this action with family and friends!

Contact maria.sol.wa@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.




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900 marchers support Shoreline teen in Stand With Us Shoreline demonstration

Monday, July 27, 2020

Flanked by the Bike Brigade, Kailyn Jordan (in red bandana) leads the march
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


By Diane Hettrick

Kailyn, a Black youth activist and third generation Shoreline resident, was recently the target of a hate crime by a close neighbor. 

Kailyn was exercising her first amendment right of free speech in protest of a blue lives matter flag that a neighbor had mounted, not realizing that to Kailyn and numerous other Black and brown people, represents racism, fear and brutality.

900 supporters stood with Kailyn
Photo by Mike Remarcke


That neighbor removed the flag. 

But while Kailyn was standing in the street with her bicycle and her protest sign another neighbor swerved their car toward Kailyn, as if to hit her, then followed with threats to lynch and shoot her.

Kailyn stood alone when the incident happened but she is no longer alone.
Kailyn speaking to the crowd
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


900 people stood with her on Saturday, July 25, 2020. First gathering at Paramount School Park to make signs and speeches. Then to march seven blocks down the street so Kailyn could stand in the same place where she was accosted, but this time enveloped by supporters.

Members of the Shoreline Black Students Union
l-r: Fal Iyoab, Kayla Palmore, Elijah Johnson, Mikayla Weary, Eternity
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Stand with us to support not just Kailyn but all Black and brown youths and let your presence and support against racism be known. 
Stand with us to let your neighbors know that racist voices will be drowned out and racist acts will be met with positive and supportive action. 
Stand with us so that Black Lives Matter sign in your yard is not just a performative gesture but your commitment to showing up and standing up for our Black and brown neighbors. 
Stand with us so we know that when you see something, you will say something and do something to ensure the safety of all Black and brown Shoreline residents.

There was a purposeful pause near the location of the incident so the impact of community support would not go unnoticed, then marchers returned to the park.

Native Americans drumming
Photo by Mike Remarcke


There were so many marchers that the street was filled for the seven blocks of the route. People waved handmade signs. A group of Native Americans drummed. Somewhere in the crowd was the Shoreline Wall of Moms. The Seattle Bike Brigade. There were a lot of families. And all the colors of the human rainbow.

Marchers filled the seven blocks of the route
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


They were all there for the same reason - in solidarity with a young teen, to help her begin to heal from a traumatic experience.

Kailyn refuses to stay silent and she has become even more empowered through this. 

Kailyn Jordan
Photo by Steven H. Robinson




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Stand With Us Shoreline Saturday in Paramount School Park at noon

Thursday, July 23, 2020


Stand With Us Shoreline
Saturday, July 25, 2020 12 noon – 2pm

Paramount School Park


Stand With Us Shoreline is a direct action to support Kailyn, a Black youth activist and third generation Shoreline resident, who was the target of a hate crime by a close neighbor. Kailyn was exercising her first amendment right of free speech in protest of a blue lives matter flag that to Kailyn, and numerous other Black and brown people, represents racism, fear and brutality.

*It’s important that I note that the neighbor with the flag was NOT the neighbor who threatened Kailyn. They were not involved in the incident with the threats and did take down the flag. *Kailyn stood alone when the incident happened but she is no longer alone.

Stand with us to support not just Kailyn but all Black and brown youths and let your presence and support against racism be known. Stand with us to let your neighbors know that racist voices will be drowned out and racist acts will be met with positive and supportive action. Stand with us so that Black Lives Matter sign in your yard is not just a performative gesture but your commitment to showing up and standing up for our Black and brown neighbors. Stand with us so we know that when you see something, you will say something and do something to ensure the safety of all Black and brown Shoreline residents.

This will be a positive, strength based event that will aid Kailyn in her path to healing through this trauma. This event will NOT center, address or target the neighbor who threatened Kailyn and any retaliatory actions are not appropriate or condoned by Kailyn and her family. There will be a purposeful pause near the location of the incident so the impact of community support will not go unnoticed.

Join us at 11:00am to make signs. Event begins with a few speakers at 12pm. We will march @1pm and the route is very short with 1 moderate slope down and 1 small slope up. We will loop back to Paramount and end at 2pm.

This a family friendly event, bathrooms will be open and stocked. There are two small parking areas on 8th Ave NE and a larger one on 10th Ave NE, both off of 155th. There are paths for accessibility and the area is fairly flat and accessible but please message us with any further questions or requests.

Masks are mandatory (we will have masks available also) and we ask that everyone is mindful of distancing, as much as can be done in a gathering.

Any questions or requests can be sent to standwithusshoreline@gmail.com.

--Dawn Jordan



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UU's demonstrate for Black Lives Matter

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Members of Shoreline Unitarian Universalism Church
demonstrate for Black Lives Matter


Since the George Floyd murder, a group from Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Church has been demonstrating for Black Lives Matter several times a week.

They have decided to focus on one evening a week for the rest of July, and that is Thursdays from 5 to 6pm at the corner of NE 145th and 1st NE. 

We invite others to join us, wearing a mask and keeping 6 ft distance. The response from passing motorists has been overwhelmingly positive.


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WSP detectives seeking witnesses to I-5 hit and run which killed a Seattle resident

Sunday, July 5, 2020

WSP has identified this as the vehicle
which was involved in the hit and run on I-5

At approximately 1:36am on July 4, 2020, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded to a serious injury hit and run collision on SB I-5 and Olive Way.

The WSP closed both directions of I-5 for protest activity at 11:56pm on July 3rd. 

This was the 19th consecutive night protesters had entered the freeway. 

As protesters were gathered along the SB lanes of I-5, a passenger car, that appears to have entered I-5 from an exit ramp, drove through the group at a high rate of speed, striking two protestors.

Video footage from King 5 HERE

The passenger car continued driving SB on I-5 until it stopped near Edgar Martinez Way. WSP Troopers contacted and arrested the driver. 

The suspect is a 27 year old male from Seattle, Dawit Kelete, who is under arrest. Impairment does not appear to be a factor and the cause remains under investigation. The two people who were hit were both transported to Harborview Medical Center.

They include a 32 year old individual from Bellingham, Diaz Love, who suffered serious injuries and is currently in serious condition at Harborview. 

The other is a 24 year old Seattle resident, Summer Taylor, who died of their injuries.

WSP detectives are seeking any information, pictures, or videos from witnesses to the collision. Contact Detective Todd Early at 253-348-1891 or by email at Todd.Early@wsp.wa.gov.

Correction: both protesters identify as non-binary and use the pronouns they and them.
Update: Suspect's name has been released by WSP


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Message of solidarity threatened at Center for Human Services

Thursday, July 2, 2020


By Beratta Gomillion, Executive Director of Center for Human Services

Last week a Center for Human Services (CHS) staff member was confronted by a man who was attempting to put a note on our front door at 17018 15th Ave NE Shoreline

Our staff member experienced this person as rude, angry, and aggressive. He was reacting to the posting we put up on our sign outside of that office. It says: “Black Lives Matter.”

This man said to our employee, “You should research it before you put something like that up.” He left his note with our employee; it said “"Take your race baiting black lives matter propaganda sings (sp – meaning “signs”) down or I will!!! All lives matter BLM is a HATE group!" 
In a separate incident, which may or may not be related to the first incident, our sign was changed to read “Al Lives Matter,” and the letters that were taken down were no longer there (I think that is theft).

While we did not put the message on the sign to offend anyone or to insight rage, apparently, it did so. 

I will not apologize for this. We will not be intimidated by bullies or people grounded in ignorance and intolerance. We have done our research and we are appalled at the normalization of racism and intolerance. 

Yes, all lives do matter, but as a result of recent brutality and murders of black people, now is a logical time to emphasize and elevate black lives. Even if the recent tragedies had not occurred, we must accept the fact that black people have systematically been targeted for demise since the beginning of our nation, as if their existence did not matter. This must change. 

CHS wants to be a part of a society that does not accept violence, dismantles the school-to-prison pipeline, and treats everyone with dignity and respect – a society where peace and justice prevail.

CHS is trying to build our capacity to understand and confront racism, starting with our own agency. We have changed our sign back to “Black Lives Matter” and hope that people who disagree will do so in a non-destructive manner. Some issues are just worth speaking out about.



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I-5 closes 2-3 times a night because of protests - allow extra time for travel through Seattle

Friday, June 26, 2020

By Diane Hettrick

WSDOT reports that "At times we have had to close the I-5 express lanes and mainline in Seattle, resulting in some lengthy travel delays."

It is more like a revolving door with closing and opening - closing and opening - nearly every night.

There's an automated system that reports freeway conditions after hours. It's programmed to call everything an "incident" so it was almost a week before the spokesperson was on shift and reporting live. He named it a protest - not an incident.

I sent a photographer to get photos of people on the freeway. He couldn't find any activity in spite of closures that evening. He discovered that WSDOT and the state patrol apparently close the freeway as a precaution, if it looks like someone is even headed that direction.

Thursday night, June 25, there were protesters actually on the freeway because the state patrol sent out a notice. 

#Breaking. An SUV ran through the closure from Dearborn to NB-5 and nearly hit protestors. Anyone with info call the State Patrol.

As we previously reported, the I-5 express lanes close at 8pm on weekdays. On weekends the closures are at the request of the Washington State Patrol, in order to keep all people safe during the demonstrations in the city.

Because conditions can change quickly, people traveling should also plan for the possibility of the closure of I-5 between SR 520 and I-90, if protests approach the freeway.

The closures last from 20 minutes to two hours. For example, on Tuesday, June 16:
  • 7pm Tuesday, June 16 - Both directions of I-5 closed in Seattle; express lanes closed
  • 8pm Tuesday, June 16 - Both directions of I-5 now open in Seattle
  • 8:55pm Tuesday, June 16 - All lanes of I-5 are closed in downtown Seattle
  • 9:45pm Tuesday, June 16 - All lanes of I-5 are now open in downtown Seattle

When the southbound lanes are closed, traffic is diverted over the 520 bridge to Bellevue, so you'll have quite a detour.

However, apparently some vehicles are able to exit at Roanoke which puts them on Seattle surface streets.

Here are some "Know before you go" resources - but they're not much help if you are already approaching Roanoke.

Just be prepared for longer than the normal amount of travel time and the possibility of detouring to Bellevue.

Updated: possible to exit on Roanoke St.

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In support of Black Lives Matter, Lake Forest Park for Peace returns to weekly street demonstrations

Monday, June 8, 2020

Lake Forest Park for Peace

Photos by Karol and Glen Milner

In support of Black Lives Matter and activists for social and racial justice across the U.S., Lake Forest Park for Peace members returned to the street corner of Bothell Way NE (SR 522) and Ballinger Way NE (SR 104) on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

Hannah McFeron


This marked a resumption of demonstrations after an eleven-week pause for the coronavirus pandemic, with their last vigil on March 21st.

Lake Forest Park for Peace has maintained a weekly demonstration since it was formed on December 14, 2002 in opposition to the ongoing war in Afghanistan and the upcoming Iraq War.

Hannah and her mom, Alisa McFeron
 
In March 2011, Lake Forest Park for Peace members donated a Peace Pole to the City of Lake Forest Park which marks a permanent call for peace at the Bothell Way NE and Ballinger Way NE street corner.



A young man in a vehicle at the intersection briefly joined the group with his sign stating: No Justice, No Peace.

You are invited to join them, too, every Saturday from 11 am to noon.



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'Peaceful and uplifting march' draws 4,000 people to Shoreline's Black Lives Lost protest

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Gathering at Cromwell Park
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


By Diane Hettrick

A peaceful protest organized by the Black Student Unions of Shorecrest and Shorewood, with participation from other local schools, to honor Black Lives Lost drew 3-5,000 participants to Shoreline on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

"Black Lives Matter"

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

It began with a gathering at Shoreline's Cromwell Park at 180th and Meridian. Many people arrived at 11am to make signs. 

Members of the Black Student Unions spoke
Photo by David Walton


There was music and speakers from the Black Student Unions spoke about their frustrations with the present and what they want for their future. 

"Demilitarize Police"

The march stretched out for many blocks
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Around 12:30pm the march began, going down Meridian to N 175th and up the hill to Shoreline City Hall on Midvale. There were hundreds of signs. Most said "Black Lives Matter" 

"Silence = Violence"


Speaker at the Sculpture Walk
Photo by David Walton

Marchers ended up filling the Sculpture Walk in front of City Hall after the half hour walk. Speakers once again addressed the crowd.

"White People - Shut Up and Listen"

Background - the car caravan stretches from Meridian up NE 175th
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

A car caravan of about 50 vehicles began at City Hall, and followed the marchers on N 175th moving slowly and honking their horns.


"Dismantle Power Structures of Oppression"

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Shoreline police closed the streets to make way for the marchers. Shoreline police and Lake Forest Park police were part of the planning process with the students, and officers from both departments were in the march. It was a diverse, multi-racial, family-friendly crowd. Babies, students, and adults marched side by side.

"Say their names"

Student organizers and police worked together
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


"White Silence - Black Death"

Both police chiefs were pleased with the outcome and very complimentary of the students who planned and executed it.

Chief Ledford of Shoreline said "The Shorewood and Shorecrest Black Students Union, along with students from other local schools did a great job organizing and leading the march. They showed great leadership and it was a peaceful protest. They did a great job bringing the community together during this difficult time."

"I can't breathe"

Attempts were made to social distance
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Virtually every person in the march was masked. There was an attempt at social distancing but it was difficult with so many people in the same area.

"Racism is a Pandemic Too"


Photo by David Walton

Police Chief Harden of Lake Forest Park commented that there was a "Very big showing and almost completely peaceful. The only incident I was aware of was a bus blocked for about 5 min on Aurora but the organizers were able to manage the group. Except for that, very good job by the organizers, the community, and very well managed. The students that organized this did a great job." 

"We are all One"

Officer Coleman, Chief Harden, and Officer Coombs of LFP Police
marched and helped a couple of kids with the climb up the hill
Photo by Steven H. Robinson 

Harden commented that "Two officers from LFPPD and I walked with the group from the park to city hall. Everyone we encountered was respectful, even through the frustration."

"No Justice - No Peace"

Protestors start to move onto Aurora
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Our reporter Steve Robinson observed that for a brief time at the end of the march people lining Aurora and displaying signs were slowing the traffic. At one point they walked into the roadway and blocked northbound traffic. One car forced its way through the marchers while several made U-turns.

"The greatest purveyor of violence in the world today is my own government - MLK"

Blocking Aurora and the RapidRide E bus
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

A RapidRide E bus was stopped completely for a few minutes. A Shoreline police officer and organizers encouraged people to leave the roadway without much difficulty and the bus continued on its way.

Shoreline officer encourages protesters to move off the road
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


400 Years of Intolerance. Enough is Enough. 
I stand with my black brothers and sisters. I am with you and I Love You!

Speaker exhorts the crowd
Photo by David Walton



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Vehicle and pedestrian routing for Saturday's Peaceful Protest Honoring Black Lives Lost

Friday, June 5, 2020

From the City of Shoreline

On Saturday, June 6, from 12:00 to 2:00pm, students from Shorewood and Shorecrest High Schools’ Black Student Unions and members of Black Lives Matter Shoreline, along with other community groups, will hold a peaceful gathering at Cromwell Park to honor George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the other Black lives lost through racial injustice.

The event will begin at 12:00pm at Cromwell Park with speeches and student performances.

Participants will then march to City Hall. They will return to Cromwell Park for the closing program.



The City of Shoreline and Shoreline Police have been working with the event organizers to ensure the safety of the participants as they march to City Hall and have created a traffic control plan.

We anticipate moderate traffic impacts between 12:30 and 1:30 as participants march to City Hall. We encourage drivers to take alternate routes through the area during this time.

There will also be a car parade for people who prefer not to march. It will leave at the same time as the march but will take an alternate route to City Hall.

Organizers are encouraging everyone to wear face coverings and to honor social distancing.



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Peaceful protest scheduled for Saturday to honor Black lives lost

Wednesday, June 3, 2020


Join Shoreline area families in a peaceful protest to honor George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the Black lives that have been stolen from us.

Saturday, June 6, 2020 beginning at noon, Cromwell Park 18030 Meridian Ave N, Shoreline. Car caravan and march at 12:30pm 98133.

All are welcome. Feel free to come early at 11am to make signs — bring materials if you have them.

Please wear masks and honor social distancing and each other's safety. For those concerned for their health, please join us in your vehicle for a car parade (assemble at Cromwell Park at 12:30pm).

Schedule · Saturday, June 6, 2020
  • 12:00 PM  Gather and Welcome Program at Cromwell Park
  • 12:30 PM   March to City Hall and Shoreline Police Department
  • 1:30 PM  Closing Program at Cromwell Park
Sponsored by Black Lives Matter - Shoreline



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2,000 people participate in Lake City demonstration on Saturday

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

The entire 25 block long route was filled both directions
Photo by Mark Mendez

By Diane Hettrick

2,000 people participated in a demonstration in Lake City on Saturday, May 30, 2020, organized by the Racial Equity Team from Nathan Hale High School in Lake City and inspired by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25.

Photo by Mark Mendez


The Racial Equity Team is a group of over 25 teachers and students at Hale who meet weekly "to center our school’s work on forwarding educational justice for those students furthest from receiving it." They work closely with and are supported by Seattle Public Schools' Department of Racial Equity Advancement (DREA). They are open to participation from parents and community members.

The members' purpose was “To encourage our community to strive towards an antiracist mindset, to show our commitment to anti racist action and to demonstrate our solidarity with those who have been victims of racial injustice throughout our nation."
 Bicycle participant pauses for a photo as the line of car stretches
out behind her as far as the eye can see.
Photo by Mark Mendez

The word went out on social media for like-minded people to join them at 9:30am Saturday morning for a car caravan on a stretch of Lake City Way from the school on 110th NE to 135th NE and back again.

Participants were urged to "Bring your voice, your signs, and your commitment to justice for all people. "

They were also instructed to adhere to social distance guidelines.

Students lead the pedestrians along the route
Photo by Mark Mendez

Several dozen bicyclists and pedestrians were there, but possibly because the line up started 30 minutes after a major thunderstorm, most people chose to drive.

The Lead Car
Photo courtesy Racial Equity Team
Two parking lots were full of lines of cars before the caravan started
Photo courtesy Racial Equity Team

The lead car led out the line promptly at 10am. When they completed the loop and arrived back at Hale there were hundreds of cars still waiting to leave.

They drove slowly along Lake City Way, beeping their horns, many with their emergency lights flashing. Many had signs on their cars. Others waved small signs from inside their vehicles. Some stood on the sidewalk and cheered everyone on.

The feeling of purpose and solidarity was palpable.

Team spokesperson Larry Uhlman said there were "No major problems, which I attest to our planning, the size of our event, and the time of day. Some people had to wait a long time in their cars before getting on the demonstration route, but they were incredibly patient and positive."

Photo by Mark Mendez


As for what lies ahead, the Team will continue to meet.

"We are heartened by the overwhelming turnout on Saturday and the positive energy brought by so many. Most importantly, we recognize there is so much work to be done: we are busy making plans for our next steps. 
"What is happening in the world right now is heartbreaking. While we do not promote rioting, these actions show us so clearly that changes need to occur. 
"In the words of MLK Jr. 'A riot is the language of the unheard.' We as a society need to seriously examine why this is happening and take action to change things." 



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City of Shoreline stands for undoing racism, addressing inequality, and making change

Monday, June 1, 2020

Pride flag flies at Shoreline City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

From the City of Shoreline

June is Pride month. It is a time to celebrate the beginning of the civil rights movement for the LGBTQ+ community and the many contributions gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other identifying individuals have made in the world.

On June 1, the City of Shoreline raised the Pride flag at City Hall and it will fly all month long. 

We encourage everyone to take some time this month to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and find ways to honor their contributions.

Statement on the Death of George Floyd

Unfortunately, the beginning of Pride Month comes at a time when we are starkly reminded of the continued struggle against racism in this country. 

For more than four hundred years, Black people in this country have been subjected to violent oppression through individual and systemic racism. 

The death of George Floyd, a Black man living in Minneapolis, at the hands of a white police officer was not an isolated incident, but one more example of the violent struggle Black people face on a daily basis.

Many people have been shocked by the unrest seen in cities across the country as a result of the death of George Floyd. Amidst the many peaceful demonstrations, some individuals have chosen to cause harm. 

However, we recognize that rage is rooted in generations of trauma, loss, and dehumanization that Black people have endured and then must relive every time another innocent life is lost. 

We encourage individuals to speak out against this injustice, and we support the request of George Floyd’s family for people to protest peacefully and not engage in destructive actions. Let us work together to address all of the ways that systemic racism works to oppress people of color.

We all have a responsibility to undo racism, address inequality, and make change. Over the past few years, Shoreline City staff members have been engaged in training to help understand how racism affects us all and results in inequitable treatment and outcomes for communities of color across this country.

We are learning to recognize the many ways that institutions serve to maintain those inequities so that we can begin to develop strategies to undo policies and practices that perpetuate racism.

The Shoreline Police Department knows they must continually work to gain and maintain the trust of the community and that is why they emphasize training on de-escalation techniques and recognizing implicit bias.



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Executive Constantine issues local Proclamation of Emergency

Protesters block traffic on the freeway, Saturday
Photo by T J Guillory


King county executive Dow Constantine:


People in King County and across the country are demonstrating against racism, hate, and violence against Black people and people of color in the United States. These demonstrations were sparked by the killing in Minnesota of George Floyd, who died with a white police officer's knee pressed to his neck.

King County values and respects the peaceful expression of political views, and supports all people in exercising their First Amendment rights. To assist in responding to the violence and theft associated with some of the local protests, King County Executive Dow Constantine has issued a King County Proclamation of Emergency.

The proclamation allows King County departments flexibility with contracting needs and obligations necessary to make emergency repairs and address other impacts associated with the civil emergency. Most importantly for the residents and businesses served by the county, the proclamation expedites the process of obtaining resources, if needed.

The King County Office of Emergency Management activated the King County Emergency Operations Center on May 30 for a significant civil emergency caused by violence and theft during the time of public demonstrations in various communities of King County, including the cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and Tukwila. 

Bicycle cops stand by during the peaceful part of the protest Saturday
Photo by T J Guillory

The peaceful demonstrations by many have been accompanied by property damage and destruction by others; they have created hazardous conditions for persons assembled for peaceful protests; pose a risk to public property and facilities; and, further threaten public safety, property destruction, injury, and safe travel.

In related but separate developments, 116 Washington National Guard members have been deployed to help the City of Bellevue this evening. In addition, Gov. Jay Inslee today activated up to 200 more members of the Washington National Guard at King County’s request to help Bellevue and potentially other jurisdictions respond to looting, protect against property damage, and manage crowds and traffic throughout the county if necessary.

Peaceful protestors crowd the entrance ramp Saturday
Photo by T J Guillory
 

Guard personnel will be unarmed and work under the direction of local leadership. With this request, the Governor has activated 600 or more National Guard personnel to assist in a peacekeeping response in Seattle and King County, according to a news release from the Governor’s office.

King County departments will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, residents are reminded to abide by curfews issued by the cities, and to maintain social distancing practices to minimize the spread of COVID-19.




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Inslee statement on Saturday protests

Sunday, May 31, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee
file photo

Statement from Gov. Jay Inslee

"As people gather today to protest the unjust death of George Floyd, I hope they do so peacefully and safely. Everyone has the freedom - and the right - to demonstrate and speak their mind. However, violence and destruction have no place in Washington state or our country.

"Together, we grieve for the death of George Floyd, and many, many others. The events in Minnesota and across the nation the past few nights have been stunning and illustrate how inequity causes people to lose faith in their public institutions.

"The trauma inflicted on generations of people of color must be acknowledged, and more must be done to correct it. Feeling second-class in one’s own community does not make people feel safe. Insecurity hardens into anger.

"I fully support the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. I applaud every Washingtonian standing for what they believe in, but we must do so in a way that allows space for these important and necessary discussions, not in a way that inspires fear.

"If you choose to protest today, please be safe and peaceful. These are important issues that deserve our full attention, without distraction from violence and destruction. Without solutions to inequity, the long road to justice will run even longer."



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I-5 downtown blocked by protesters and police Saturday afternoon

Saturday, May 30, 2020







5pm Saturday, May 30, 2020.

I-5 is blocked both directions in downtown Seattle by protesters and the police action to clear them.

The state patrol is closing I-5 through Seattle.

Trooper Rick Johnson asks "Please do NOT call 911 to advise of protestors on the freeway.
@wastatepatrol is fully aware and is addressing the situation.

  • WB 90 is diverted to SB I-5. 
  • NB I-5 is diverted to EB 90. 
  • SB I-5 diverted to EB 520.
  • WB 520 is diverted to NB I-5.  
  • Avoid the area!

Seattle has multiple fires and vandalism. Local TV stations are on scene.

Mayor Durkan has issued a 5pm curfew.

It's raining, getting dark, and a new thunderstorm is predicted. (See weather forecast)

Update: WSP reopened I-5 north around 11:15pm and I-5 south around 12:30am




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