Thoughts about CHAZ in Seattle?

[missy]

What It's Like Inside The 'Autonomous Zone' Near A Seattle Police Precinct

Protesters in Seattle have set up an "autonomous zone" outside a police precinct after officers largely vacated the area.

www.npr.org

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/06/12/seattle-autonomous-zone-capitol-hill/

Meet the Gun Club Patrolling Seattle’s Leftist Utopia

Though everyone from Trump to local cops have expressed fear about the idea of anti-brutality activists being armed, they say it’s essential to ward off dangerous extremists.

www.thedailybeast.com

 

[Karl_K]

I find it disgusting that the cops turned tail and ran, it sets a horrible precedent.
I find it rather funny that a bunch of mostly guys protesting an injustice take over a bird sanctuary and a bunch of liberals are screaming for them to be killed even some here. 1 was murdered and hardly anyone cared.

Then when a chunk of a city is taken over and the cops are prevented from responding to rape and assault calls. well crickets.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, we ARE still a nation of laws, and I don’t agree with any group taking over/assuming ownership of public property/services and denying others (who also pay for that public property) access. This is not a ‘peaceful protest’, nor is it Woodstock 2020 as their looney mayor suggests.

I feel bad for the people & businesses who had this thrust on them unwillingly, and who are now suffering as a result. If a group wants to establish a supposed ‘peace, love & harmony’ commune, they should rent/buy a piece of land and have at it - legally. I do find it humorous that guns & border walls are now considered an acceptable means of ‘control’.

Seattle is allowing this - their choice, their votes. I can only ‘vote‘ with my wallet, which is what I’m doing. I had a transaction planned with a business there, and I‘m now taking my business elsewhere because the risk is just not worth it for me to have to contend with potential loss & hassle due to lawlessness and lack of responsible leadership.

 

[Queenie60]

Contrary to some people’s beliefs, we ARE still a nation of laws, and I don’t agree with any group taking over/assuming ownership of public property/services and denying others (who also pay for that public property) access. This is not a ‘peaceful protest’, nor is it Woodstock 2020 as their looney mayor suggests.

I feel bad for the people & businesses who had this thrust on them unwillingly, and who are now suffering as a result. If a group wants to establish a supposed ‘peace, love & harmony’ commune, they should rent/buy a piece of land and have at it - legally. I do find it humorous that guns & border walls are now considered an acceptable means of ‘control’.

Seattle is allowing this - their choice, their votes. I can only ‘vote‘ with my wallet, which is what I’m doing. I had a transaction planned with a business there, and I‘m now taking my business elsewhere because the risk is just not worth it for me to have to contend with potential loss & hassle due to lawlessness and lack of responsible leadership.

I agree - and don't be surprised if this happens in San Francisco, Denver, Portland and many other liberal, sanctuary cities. It makes me ill to think that such extreme injustice is being tolerated by the "Leaders" of the city. If I park in a 2 hour zone in SF, I'll get a hefty ticket however, if I decide to take over several city blocks and hold businesses and citizens hostage, well, that would be ok! Crazy sh.....t if you ask me.

 

[Tekate]

I LOVE IT. We know that any kind of gun owning is AOK in our country Missy, they are just a militia protecting the people, aren't we allowed to do this?

I give these kids and people KUDOS, POWER TO THE PEOPLE.

God forbid any cop would figure out there is a PROBLEM with cops, they are vicious most of the time to blacks, truth, ask any black person. Change is needed and asap.

Don't fat right wing bikers run around with guns too? I thought so or at least they seem to.

The private militias providing "security" for anti-lockdown protests, explained

Militia groups asked to provide "security" are being decried by Republicans as "a bunch of jackasses."

www.vox.com

Michigan militia puts armed protest, far-right groups in the spotlight

***

www.haaretz.com

What right wing, law and order 'people' don't get is, it works both ways. Aghast at leftists with guns demanding change - OMG!!! it's 'thugs'.

What were those 'americans' who threw the tea in the bay all about? they were about change, and Jeez aren't they heroes to the right? hypocrites all.

So you get the lyin' Fox news and what they they do? lie of course.

Fox News Removes Digitally Altered, Misleading Photos of Seattle 'Autonomous Zone' From Website

The news organization posted an editors note at the top of at least three stories that used the image

time.com

To you law and order types remember you brought on yourselves with your belief in no gun laws, and snark, (snow flakes, retards,) I have always known that leftists are highly capable of arming and defending what they believe in it's the right wing that become way over confident. Young people want a BETTER America, which means fairness for all. I dunno if this arming and taking over zones in a city will continue, in the 60s the college kids took over buildings etc. Time of reckoning is coming.

 

[Tekate]

I'm with the @the_mother_thing I am only using black business here, we research where best to put our money, we have never bought a Koch product for years. One has to put their money where their mouth is and I do. I give money to the democratic party but also I am giving money to get rid of Susan Collins in Maine, she's despicable, I hope she's voted OUT. This is AMERICA spending your money where you believe.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Don't fat right wing bikers run around with guns too? I thought so or at least they seem to.

I don't remember them taken over part of a city.

 

[the_mother_thing]

Guns don’t bother me so long as they are legally-acquired/owned/carried IAW local laws; I’ve never said otherwise.

It’s the UNlawful commandeering of public property & services, denial of access to that property/service to citizens (which they pay for), and the extortion of established businesses for mafia-like ‘protection’ in order to continue operating in their legally owned/rented spaces that I object to.

Not sure how or why any sane person would be ‘ok’ with that ... maybe those who approve wouldn’t mind a group of strangers just showing up at their homes and telling “you” they are moving in, not paying rent, and they’ll let you stay in your home IF you pay them. Have fun with that!

 

[Dancing Fire]

I agree - and don't be surprised if this happens in San Francisco, Denver, Portland and many other liberal, sanctuary cities. It makes me ill to think that such extreme injustice is being tolerated by the "Leaders" of the city. If I park in a 2 hour zone in SF, I'll get a hefty ticket however, if I decide to take over several city blocks and hold businesses and citizens hostage, well, that would be ok! Crazy sh.....t if you ask me.

and what does all these city leaders have in common? ..

 

[OreoRosies86]

I love it. It’s time the left took a page from the people who bring AK47s to state buildings. Shake things up a little! Don’t start nothing there won’t be nothing

 

[stepcutnut]

@missy Since you posted it, what are your thoughts?

 

[1ofakind]

There is no reasonable comparison to the peaceful and legal protesters who brought guns to the various state houses and the complete hostile takeover of city blocks by people making demands, defacing and damaging property, setting up border walls, being exclusionary, harassing and intimidating business owners and residents, blocking traffic and access etc. Defend it if you want...but try again without the obvious logical fallacies.

 

[Bonfire]

It’ll be like “Lord Of The Flies” but with good coffee

 

[OreoRosies86]

 

[Marquise_Madness]

Minneapolis has basically done the same thing. You wouldn't believe the stuff that the community has given. First aid materials, fire extinguishers, OTC medications, bottled water and food, etc. It's just less sexy since the fires have stopped and the protests are peaceful.

 

[LemonMoonLex]

I personally think that its just crazy & I think it will be awful when lives are lost (whether they're liberal/conservative, white/black, young/old; everyone's life matters) when our government finally steps in to stop the nonsense and quits letting the baby throw its tantrum if the extremist group doesn't stand down and decide to shoot at the police/military. We have the strongest military in the world and this would be shut down real quick.

I pray that in that city the police are taking their calls from another precinct so innocent people that are being molested, assualted, raped, having home invasions, domestic violence, gang activity, overdoses, or murdered can call 911 and actually reach them. If not I'm not sure how all of the people who are commenting that they "love it" can sleep at night.

It's easy to discriminate against all cops until you actually need them.

Its sad, everyday I feel as though I'm watching the US try and burn themselves down yet
they don't realize they'll soon feel the burn of these actions. Not everything needs to literally burn people.

 

[yssie]

I personally think that its just crazy & I think it will be awful when lives are lost (whether they're liberal/conservative, white/black, young/old; everyone's life matters) when our government finally steps in to stop the nonsense and quits letting the baby throw its tantrum if the extremist group doesn't stand down and decide to shoot at the police/military. We have the strongest military in the world and this would be shut down real quick.

I pray that in that city the police are taking their calls from another precinct so innocent people that are being molested, assualted, raped, having home invasions, domestic violence, gang activity, overdoses, or murdered can call 911 and actually reach them. If not I'm not sure how all of the people who are commenting that they "love it" can sleep at night.

It's easy to discriminate against all cops until you actually need them.

Its sad, everyday I feel as though I'm watching the US try and burn themselves down yet
they don't realize they'll soon feel the burn of these actions. Not everything needs to literally burn people.

Every last word.
I don't need to share my thoughts. You've verbalized all of them.

 

[TooPatient]

I personally think that its just crazy & I think it will be awful when lives are lost (whether they're liberal/conservative, white/black, young/old; everyone's life matters) when our government finally steps in to stop the nonsense and quits letting the baby throw its tantrum if the extremist group doesn't stand down and decide to shoot at the police/military. We have the strongest military in the world and this would be shut down real quick.

I pray that in that city the police are taking their calls from another precinct so innocent people that are being molested, assualted, raped, having home invasions, domestic violence, gang activity, overdoses, or murdered can call 911 and actually reach them. If not I'm not sure how all of the people who are commenting that they "love it" can sleep at night.

It's easy to discriminate against all cops until you actually need them.

Its sad, everyday I feel as though I'm watching the US try and burn themselves down yet
they don't realize they'll soon feel the burn of these actions. Not everything needs to literally burn people.

The police are not able to respond to most calls. The "protestors" aren't allowing them in. Fire department is reporting it taking twice as long or worse to get to calls for them.

 

[TooPatient]

Here is the least racist and most "reasonable" list of demands I have seen so far.

Copy from link below:

THE DEMANDS OF THE COLLECTIVE BLACK VOICES AT FREE CAPITOL HILL TO THE GOVERNMENT OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

FreeCapitolHill
Jun 9 · 6 min read




In credit to the people who freed Capitol Hill, this list of demands is neither brief nor simplistic. This is no simple request to end police brutality. We demand that the City Council and the Mayor, whoever that may be, implement these policy changes for the cultural and historic advancement of the City of Seattle, and to ease the struggles of its people. This document is to represent the black voices who spoke in victory at the top of 12th & Pine after 9 days of peaceful protest while under constant nightly attack from the Seattle Police Department. These are words from that night, June 8th, 2020.

“Welcome to Free Capitol Hill” — Posted 06/08/2020
For ease of consideration, we’ve broken these demands into four categories: The Justice System, Health and Human Services, Economics, and Education.

Given the historical moment, we’ll begin with our demands pertaining to the Justice System.

1. The Seattle Police Department and attached court system are beyond reform. We do not request reform, we demand abolition. We demand that the Seattle Council and the Mayor defund and abolish the Seattle Police Department and the attached Criminal Justice Apparatus. This means 100% of funding, including existing pensions for Seattle Police. At an equal level of priority we also demand that the city disallow the operations of ICE in the city of Seattle.
2. In the transitionary period between now and the dismantlement of the Seattle Police Department, we demand that the use of armed force be banned entirely. No guns, no batons, no riot shields, no chemical weapons, especially against those exercising their First Amendment right as Americans to protest.
3. We demand an end to the school-to-prison pipeline and the abolition of youth jails. Get kids out of prison, get cops out of schools. We also demand that the new youth prison being built in Seattle currently be repurposed.
4. We demand that not the City government, nor the State government, but that the Federal government launch a full-scale investigation into past and current cases of police brutality in Seattle and Washington, as well as the re-opening of all closed cases reported to the Office of Police Accountability. In particular, we demand that cases particular to Seattle and Washington be reopened where no justice has been served, namely the cases of Iosia Faletogo, Damarius Butts, Isaiah Obet, Tommy Le, Shaun Fuhr, and Charleena Lyles.
5. We demand reparations for victims of police brutality, in a form to be determined.
6. We demand that the City of Seattle make the names of officers involved in police brutality a matter of public record. Anonymity should not even be a privilege in public service.
7. We demand a retrial of all People in Color currently serving a prison sentence for violent crime, by a jury of their peers in their community.
8. We demand decriminalization of the acts of protest, and amnesty for protestors generally, but specifically those involved in what has been termed “The George Floyd Rebellion” against the terrorist cell that previously occupied this area known as the Seattle Police Department. This includes the immediate release of all protestors currently being held in prison after the arrests made at 11th and Pine on Sunday night and early Saturday morning June 7th and 8th, and any other protesters arrested in the past two weeks of the uprising, the name Evan Hreha in particular comes to mind who filmed Seattle police macing a young girl and is now in jail.
9. We demand that the City of Seattle and the State Government release any prisoner currently serving time for a marijuana-related offense and expunge the related conviction.
10. We demand the City of Seattle and State Government release any prisoner currently serving time just for resisting arrest if there are no other related charges, and that those convictions should also be expunged.
11. We demand that prisoners currently serving time be given the full and unrestricted right to vote, and for Washington State to pass legislation specifically breaking from Federal law that prevents felons from being able to vote.
12. We demand an end to prosecutorial immunity for police officers in the time between now and the dissolution of the SPD and extant justice system.
13. We demand the abolition of imprisonment, generally speaking, but especially the abolition of both youth prisons and privately-owned, for-profit prisons.
14. We demand in replacement of the current criminal justice system the creation of restorative/transformative accountability programs as a replacement for imprisonment.
15. We demand autonomy be given to the people to create localized anti-crime systems.
16. We demand that the Seattle Police Department, between now and the time of its abolition in the near future, empty its “lost and found” and return property owned by denizens of the city.
17. We demand justice for those who have been sexually harassed or abused by the Seattle Police Department or prison guards in the state of Washington.
18. We demand that between now and the abolition of the SPD that each and every SPD officer turn on their body cameras, and that the body camera video of all Seattle police should be a matter of easily accessible public record.
19. We demand that the funding previously used for Seattle Police be redirected into: A) Socialized Health and Medicine for the City of Seattle. B) Free public housing, because housing is a right, not a privilege. C) Public education, to decrease the average class size in city schools and increase teacher salary. D) Naturalization services for immigrants to the United States living here undocumented. (We demand they be called “undocumented” because no person is illegal.) E) General community development. Parks, etc.

We also have economic demands that must be addressed.

1. We demand the de-gentrification of Seattle, starting with rent control.
2. We demand the restoration of city funding for arts and culture to re-establish the once-rich local cultural identity of Seattle.
3. We demand free college for the people of the state of Washington, due to the overwhelming effect that education has on economic success, and the correlated overwhelming impact of poverty on people of color, as a form of reparations for the treatment of Black people in this state and country.
4. We demand that between now and the abolition of the SPD that Seattle Police be prohibited from performing “homeless sweeps” that displace and disturb our homeless neighbors, and on equal footing we demand an end to all evictions.
5. We demand a decentralized election process to give the citizens of Seattle a greater ability to select candidates for public office such that we are not forced to choose at the poll between equally undesirable options. There are multiple systems and policies in place which make it impractical at best for working-class people to run for public office, all of which must go, starting with any fees associated with applying to run for public office.

Related to economic demands, we also have demands pertaining to what we would formally call “Health and Human Services.”

1. We demand the hospitals and care facilities of Seattle employ black doctors and nurses specifically to help care for black patients.
2. We demand the people of Seattle seek out and proudly support Black-owned businesses. Your money is our power and sustainability.
3. We demand that the city create an entirely separate system staffed by mental health experts to respond to 911 calls pertaining to mental health crises, and insist that all involved in such a program be put through thorough, rigorous training in conflict de-escalation.

Finally, let us now address our demands regarding the education system in the City of Seattle and State of Washington.

1. We demand that the history of Black and Native Americans be given a significantly greater focus in the Washington State education curriculum.
2. We demand that thorough anti-bias training become a legal requirement for all jobs in the education system, as well as in the medical profession and in mass media.
3. We demand the City of Seattle and State of Washington remove any and all monuments dedicated to historical figures of the Confederacy, whose treasonous attempts to build an America with slavery as a permanent fixture were an affront to the human race.

Transcribed by @irie_kenya and @AustinCHowe. Special thanks to Magik for starting and facilitating the discussion to create this list, to Omari Salisbury for the idea to break the list into categories, and as well a thanks to Kshama Sawant for being the only Seattle official to discuss with the people on Free Capitol Hill the night that it was liberated.

Although we have liberated Free Capitol Hill in the name of the people of Seattle, we must not forget that we stand on land already once stolen from the Duwamish People, the first people of Seattle, and whose brother, John T. Williams of the Nuu-chah-nulth tribe up north was murdered by the Seattle Police Department 10 years ago.
Black Lives Matter — All day, Every day.

https://medium.com/@seattleblmanon3...ill-to-the-government-of-seattle-ddaee51d3e47

 

[TooPatient]

This was shared on FB by a former co-worker who has been participating in events. I have seen this in variations shared by other people too. Sharing this one here as the most consolidated list I have seen shared:


"So You Want to Go to CHAZ.
to the white people from a white person:
That’s great! You should! But here’s somethings to keep in mind, some Do’s and Dont’s
DO
- bring money and give to black organizers
- Participate in anti-racism education
- Listen to black speakers
- Follow community rules
- Respect black bodies
- Take note of the space you’re occupying. This isn’t only about your physical space but your vocal space. Ask yourself: Are you taking up space a black person could be? Does your opinion need to be voiced if it’s silencing a black person’s voice? Is it even necessary to say? What does it contribute?
- Keep watch of the barricades and be on the look out for suspicious behavior, plain clothed police, informants etc
- When the need for bodies to hold the line occurs, go to the front
- Always be willing to protect the black community around you
- Recognize that this place was fought for by the black leaders and community organizers and that it is not yours to take over and co-opt
DONT
- Come here to get drunk
- Come here just to hang out with friends
- Spend all your time chilling in Cal Anderson like it’s any other day
- Silence the speech of any BIPOC
- Demand answers or explanation of the movement from black organizers
- Come here if you don’t value and respect black voices
- Come here if you’re trying to get brownie points for being a “good ally”
- Don’t call yourself an ally, period.
- Argue when you’re called out
CHAZ is a beautiful place to see and I hope everyone gets a chance to come see what this amazing black community we have here in Seattle has created and it holding for us to witness. But do be mindful of your presence here and understand Seattle’s deep history of racism and that by being in this space you’re witnessing history.
This isn’t a place to have “fun”. This is a battle and an active war zone. For the past two weeks almost every night people all around you have been maced, tear gassed, flash bombed, shot with rubber bullets, police are targeting people and hunting them down. This isn’t CHBP. This is history and you need to be aware of what you are witnessing so we all can get our demands taken seriously and met.
Thanks.
"

 

[TooPatient]

I live about 30 minutes out of Seattle. I have friends who live in Seattle. My doctor appointment next week should have been in Seattle. This is close to home, but thankfully far enough from my home that I can sit back and watch without being too concerned for my personal safety.

One of my friends in Seattle lives just a few blocks away from CHAZ or CHOP or whatever the correct name of the day is. He and a few of his friends who live near him are okay with everything happening and blame all of the escalation on the police. They say it is far quieter and more peaceful than it has been in a long time. They have no problem with it just staying this way.

Another person who lives some blocks away and used to live in a building within the area went and visited and was so disgusted by the whole thing, their family is moving.

There is little news. That which there is leaves question about how accurate it is. Those who go and share photos from inside aren't looking critically for problems and just enjoy that it has a "farmers market" feel to it and is just quiet with people walking dogs and talking.

I have seen reports that police aren't able to get into the area to respond to theft, rape, assault, and other calls. There have been reports that businesses are being forced to "donate" supplies or money or face vandalism. Not sure if that is true or not. For every account that says true, there is another that says false. I just don't know.

They have planted a vegetable garden in the middle of a park. Other comments seem to indicate they have no intention of moving any time soon. The mayor has decided to make one of the fire department buildings a community center in response to one of the demands. Plus, according to one statement I don't have the energy to track down right now, $100,000,000 over 10 years (or is it per year for 10 years? -- like I said unclear reports).

 

[TooPatient]

Guns don’t bother me so long as they are legally-acquired/owned/carried IAW local laws; I’ve never said otherwise.

It’s the UNlawful commandeering of public property & services, denial of access to that property/service to citizens (which they pay for), and the extortion of established businesses for mafia-like ‘protection’ in order to continue operating in their legally owned/rented spaces that I object to.

Not sure how or why any sane person would be ‘ok’ with that ... maybe those who approve wouldn’t mind a group of strangers just showing up at their homes and telling “you” they are moving in, not paying rent, and they’ll let you stay in your home IF you pay them. Have fun with that!

Exactly!

I don't care who the group is or what they are claiming to want. It should not be seen as acceptable to take over public streets and block them off. They are vandalizing city property and damaging roads. They are impeding traffic. They are interfering with residents who live in the area and business owners who work in the area. Even if a lot of people in the area are okay with it, they are still breaking laws and should be treated as such.

I hate to think of where things will go if the mayor and city counsel give in to any of their demands! Giving the impression that all you have to do is scream loudly enough and run the police off and you can have any demand you choose to make is setting an awfully dangerous precedent.

 

[TooPatient]

Copy/paste of an email from within the Seattle Police Department:

Per Assistant Chief Tom Mahaffey:
The map below provides clarity on the boundary established by the group occupying the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone” (C.H.A.Z.). My direction for police response within Edward Sector is as follows:
Red Zone: Officers should not respond to calls for service within the red zone, unless the response is to a mass casualty event (e.g. active shooter incident, structural fire likely to endanger human lives etc.). If responding to a mass casualty incident within the red zone, all responding officers should muster with a supervisor outside that zone to evaluate the feasibility of a police response and develop a plan.
For all other calls originating from within the red zone, Communications Section personnel should attempt to coordinate officer contact outside the red zone boundary.
Edward Sector: I’m requiring a four-officer minimum response to all Edward Sector calls for service outside the red zone.
**Officers should continue to document calls for service that originate from within the red zone, even under circumstances where complainant/victim contact isn’t possible.

 

[TooPatient]

I have mostly been working on my school stuff. I have a lot to get done and am running out of time. This has been too big to completely ignore. I watched the live stream the night it looked like the precinct would fall while keeping an eye on a FB group where police send anonymously to the people who run the group about some of what they are dealing with. They needed help. They begged for help. The state patrol and several other counties refused to come to their aid because the situation was too dangerous. Officers and national guard were trapped as they tried to defend the building. The mayor had just banned the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and whatever else was on the list. They used tear gas anyway. That got them out of there and allowed them to give up the building the next day. I am appalled that the police were chased out, but can't blame them for leaving. When you take away every non-lethal option open to them they are left with being defeated and risking injury/death themselves or using lethal force.

A friend is on leave from work. Someone accused him of being racist. He isn't. His only crime was stating that he didn't approve of the vandalism and looting. Around here, that is enough. Just the accusation may cost him his job.

Things are ugly. I don't dare say anything to anyone for fear of having my words twisted and being branded a racist.Many in my local FB groups have visited or plan to visit as they think the whole thing is really cool.

 

[missy]

@missy Since you posted it, what are your thoughts?

I have mixed feelings. I don't think we have all the facts. I need to know more about what is actually happening within that 6 block radius to share my thoughts.

I support protest. I support it as a way to move forward creating positive change.

I do not support businesses being cut off from the rest of the city or extorted into making “donations” to the black protesters. If that is true I don't think that is OK. Does anyone know if that is true? Is money being taken from business owners in the area or demanded from the white protesters? I am not sure we are getting the picture about what is truly going on inside that 6 block radius as I am reading conflicting info.

From what I have read it seems that petty crime has overrun the area. But more importantly, I read that police cannot respond to serious crimes like assault and rape and robbery. is that true? There are people living there and the businesses there that are on their own. And the protesters have some unreasonable demands IMO.

For example one of their demands is "Only black doctors and nurses should be employed specifically to care for black patients.” That is not OK either. What they are asking for is segregation then. We should be moving forward enacting change for the better not going backwards.

However, I am also reading it is peaceful and quiet in the CHAZ zone and that people are polite and passionate. All good things which I support. It is good to have productive discussions and it is a work in progress. All things I support. And if businesses and people aren't living there in fear I see no problem with this. If that is true.

Their list of demands (30?) might be too ambitious and if they ask for too much and are unreasonable then less will be accomplished IMO. Their original list of 3 demands were a great place to start IMO. Defund the police department, fund community-based health and safety, and drop all charges against protesters. That morphed into 30 demands some of them unreasonable IMO.

It's hard to get a true picture of what is going on within that 6 block radius and thanks @TooPatient for sharing what you know.
There are some positive aspects to CHAZ and some not positive aspects to it from my point of view.

One possible positive result would be if protesters prove that not only that they can function safely, but thrive without the police. If that experiment proves successful, it poses a very real challenge to policing as we know it. And can prove that maybe there is a better way.



Thanks for asking about my thoughts.

What are your thoughts @stepcutnut ?

 

[TooPatient]

Twitter post and video.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1272428470476214273

ETA: shows interaction between business owner just outside of CHAZ and the "protestors"

 

[TooPatient]

Additional information on the theft and arson at the business.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1272507245591269377

 

[the_mother_thing]

Way to "shake things up" Seattle ... unlike when those pesky conservatives peacefully protested and didn’t impede law enforcement from responding to violent crimes and didn’t destroy public or private property.

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best:

“Our calls for service have more than tripled,” she told reporters. “These are responses to emergency calls — rapes, robberies, and all sorts of violent acts that have been occurring in the area that we’re not able to get to.”

Seattle Police Chief: ‘We’re Not Able to Get to’ 911 Calls for ‘Rape, Robbery’ in Autonomous Zone

The head of the Seattle’s Police Department told officers in a video address on Thursday that the decision to abandon the city’s Third Precinct to activists was “not my decision,” and has prevented the department from responding to emergency calls in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.Police Chief...

news.yahoo.com

So who is responding to these crimes in the ‘occupied’ area? Where are the established policies/procedures for how they manage safety & security in CHAZ? What professional education & training do CHAZ officers have in dealing with a victim of rape/sexual assault? How are they collecting & managing evidence, finger prints, rape kits? Do they have proper uniforms & credentials to present when responding so victims feel safe when they arrive? How are victims & suspects being transported & to where? How are they investigating the alleged incidents, and where do they process/keep the suspect while awaiting trial? What is the plan for prosecuting crimes in CHAZ, or don’t they bother? What recourse does someone have if they want to file a complaint about a bad CHAZ cop practicing improper procedure?

Or does none of this even matter in CHAZ?

 

[Volute]

I think I'd like to offer some context rather than opinions since I live in Seattle but don't post.

My office is in Capitol Hill directly inside CHAZ/CHOP. My house is less than two miles away. My favorite bookstore, coffee shop, and the store where I buy most of my clothes are inside the "border," and my daily commute consists of skirting around Cal Anderson park since it's always been slightly sketchy and I'm small and female. This is where the protesters have now pitched their tents.

This particular area of Capitol Hill is one of the densest residential areas of Seattle, if not the densest. It has some of the most expensive real estate in Seattle, but most are pre War and not as well sealed as modern buildings. This means that when the police tear gas the protesters, they tear gas the residents of the entire area. I have friends who live in these buildings, some with small children and babies, and they are all furious with the SPD and the mayor for the way they've managed the protests and for the insane amounts of tear gas in their own homes. This view is reflected by most Seattle residents I know, though opinions seem to vary more in the suburbs.

I'm have to say that I'm bemused by the Seattle under siege!!! type of reporting I see. This is an area of about 6 blocks or so in one area of the city. It's the size of a quadrangle and outlying buildings of a large university, and it's not even in downtown. During the lockdown, I've been walking to my office maybe once a week including these last few weeks. I've never been asked for ID. I don't look like a protester, I don't think? I mean I'm wearing my jewelry still lol. Has anyone been in NYC during Occupy? It looks like that, crossed with some kind of street fair, with better street art and worse performances. There are some grifters on the scene and I'm sure they're out at night like they always have been. It looks apocalyptic in photos (some of which have been proven to be doctored) partially imo because all businesses in the area have been boarded up through the entire pandemic. The "occupation" can continue partly because nothing is open and it's a strange time. Other Seattle precincts are open and can respond to calls, if they choose. I hope some other residents weigh in because I've never experienced such a media disconnect before.

 

[rainwood]

I too live in Seattle, not the suburbs, (used to live not far from that area), and agree with EVERYTHING Volute said. In many ways, CHAZ is such a Seattle thing, and the media coverage of it is both amusing and deeply disturbing. We're fine, the city is fine, and the rest of the country just needs to simmer down and worry about their own communities.

My joke about Trump and Fox making it into an antifa takeover - which it never was - is that the battlecry would have been, "Teriyaki for everybody!" which is a joke only Seattleites would get.