Law enforcement prepares for downtown Seattle demonstrations

SEATTLE - Trooper Rick Johnson says Washington State Patrol will be helping Seattle police during multiple demonstrations downtown, in the wake of what happened in Minneapolis.

“We want to support the first amendment rights and so we’re just there to assist if needed,” Johnson said. “We are willing to provide assistance where needed.”

That involves having additional troopers near several on and off ramps along I-5 to make sure people aren't demonstrating on the freeway.

“Our current responsibility is that we maintain safe travel on the freeway,” Johnson said.

While violence has escalated in places like Minnesota, the Washington National Guard says they haven't been told to be on call.

In a news conference this afternoon, Governor Inslee says what happened to George Floyd can't be tolerated.

"State violence has no place in our society and we've got a lot of work to do to remedy the centuries of inequity in our society," Inslee said.

Down in Pierce County, Sheriff Paul Pastor says they aren't aware of any demonstrations there but says they will help Seattle if things escalate.

“If surrounding agencies need our assistance, we will do our best to provide that assistance,” Pastor said. “We want to make sure that this doesn’t lead to more damage, more pain, more people lost.”

Along with monitoring I-5, Trooper Johnson says they've asked WSDOT to close the express lanes tomorrow to keep traffic in one central location.

“We want to hear what you have to say but we want to hear peacefully,” Johnson said.

City officials are asking people that are protesting to still maintain social distancing and wear face coverings.