Protesters in Seattle declared a police-free zone in their efforts to defund the city’s law enforcement after gathering at City Hall on Tuesday night.
One group, known as the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” was joined by other protesters to occupy Seattle’s City Hall.
Speakers called for the resignation of Mayor Jenny Durkan as well as the defunding of the city’s police department up until 1 a.m., chanting “defund SPD.”
The designated zone is located in the city’s Capitol Hill district and surrounds the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct. Police opened the area to protesters on Monday after previously closing the streets following violent demonstrations that took place following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
The East Precinct remains staffed but is taking precautions to ensure the safety of officers in the building.
