Civil Emergency declared in Seattle
Civil Emergency declared in Seattle
Sat, 05/30/2020
information from the City of Seattle
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today issued the following Emergency Orders, effective immediately in the City of Seattle:
- An Order declaring a Proclamation of Civil Emergency following escalated violence and destruction stemming from downtown demonstrations; and
- An Order banning weapons, both formal and informal.
In addition, the Mayor 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.
“I know the vast majority of today’s demonstrators came together with the intention to protest, grieve, andcommit themselves to justice. For most of today, the demonstrations were peaceful, and I thank all those who chose to exercise their right to protest without hurting others. However, in the late afternoon, demonstrations downtown quickly turned violent. Molotov cocktails were thrown, lit fireworks were launched into peaceful crowds, and our firefighters couldn’t access burning buildings because of the crowds. We need those gathering to leave downtown Seattle immediately for their safety. To protect the health and safety of our residents, I am proclaiming a Civil Emergency in Seattle, imposing a curfew, and banning weapons. I also asked Governor Inslee for the support of unarmed National Guard to help with crowd management.”
Beginning last night and continuing throughout the day, demonstrations occurred throughout downtown Seattle regarding the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Demonstrations were initially peaceful, however, they swiftly turned violent and led to multiple fires being intentionally set downtown in the late afternoon.
Effects of the demonstrations include:
- Multiple Seattle Police Department officers injured;
- Multiple community members injured;
- Several arrests made;
- Demonstrators throwing bottles at police officers;
- Demonstrators throwing lit fireworks into crowds;
- Demonstrators have set several SPD vehicles on fire;
- Demonstrators have thrown several Molotov cocktails at vehicles;
- Two AR-15 rifles have been stolen from SPD vehicles, one recovered and one outstanding; and
- Seattle Fire Department currently has limited, and occasionally completely restricted, access to buildings that are on fire.
The newest 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. The Emergency Order prohibits the use of weapons including guns, rocks, pipes, clubs, and flares citywide. The Mayor 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
Comments
From the above: "the murder…
From the above: "the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer."
Well it isn't murder until a jury says so or if authorities obtain a legal confession. In fact the ME report in Minneapolis indicates the knee applied to the 'neck area' of the arrestee did not cause the death, the totality of underlying health conditions coupled with the stress of being arrested did. Of course Mayor, you didn't bother to consider this before making your inflammatory remark.
Naturally, your order regarding guns and other weapons is an illegal suspension of the second amendment. Rioters carrying guns and other weapons are subject to charges under existing laws. Your order that 'prohibits the use of weapons' covers citizens who may have a need to protect themselves and property. Perhaps you should have said, 'illegal use of weapons', which as said is already covered by law.
The request for 200 unarmed NG soldiers should be turned down by the Guard commander. Instead of calling up police reserves and requesting aid from the County, you want to avoid paying overtime and putting your own forces in danger. The NG is not free labour for your use, they are soldiers. Additionally, no responsible military authority will be foolish enough to put his men in harms way without methods to protect themselves, which means guns and ammunition.
Maybe you and your police chief need to do some rethinking about recruiting, training, and policy. In Seattle's case, it looks like some cops cut and ran leaving cars and weapons behind. New logo for Seattle Police: 'When It Gets Tough, We Run Away'. Where is the spirit of the Alamo?
By the way, thugs throwing rocks, Molotov Cocktails etc are not demonstrators, they are rioters. Do some rethinking mayor.
RCW chapter 9.41 2) Cities,…
RCW chapter 9.41
2) Cities, towns, counties, and other municipalities may enact laws and ordinances:
(a) Restricting the discharge of firearms in any portion of their respective jurisdictions where there is a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, or property will be jeopardized. Such laws and ordinances shall not abridge the right of the individual guaranteed by Article I, section 24 of the state Constitution to bear arms in defense of self or others
Mayor Durkin is welcome to charge me but if someone breaks into my home or threatens me on property will be met with my gun. The order essentially prohibits self protection and can't hold.