President and law enforcement leaders voice concern over potential extortion by the new volunteer security force.
City officials say leaders inside the zone, which has been deemed a “co-op free from cops,” have reportedly been trying to coerce citizens and businesses to pay a price for their “protection.”
“We have heard… reports of citizens and businesses being asked to pay a fee to operate within this area,” said the assistant chief of police. “This is the crime of extortion.”
Police also voiced concerns about armed guards patrolling the zone, who appear to be intimidating community members. Protesters began occupying the area on Tuesday after police abandoned their east precinct, hoping it would deescalate tensions.
Activists in Seattle have taken over a six square-block area near downtown. One protester who refused to self-identify said, “It’s not aggressive or violent, nothing like that. We didn’t come out here for any of that. All we wanted was what was equal, what was right.”
“We are the police of this community now,” said another protester, among those calling for the total defunding and dismantling of police departments across the country. “We are the leaders of this community now.”
In the meantime, President Trump has called on city and state leaders act to protect their citizens and to address any criminal activity.
When asked how long she thinks Seattle and those few blocks could remain under the control of the protesters, the Seattle mayor said, “I don’t know. We could have a summer of love!”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the officials of the city of Seattle as well as Washington’s Governor Inslee as the work to address unrest in their state and cities.
- For protection and safety for all who are in Seattle during this time.
- For President Trump as he makes decisions to protect American citizens and on how to best meet their needs.
Sources: One America News, Washington Examiner, CNN
