Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said he was unaware of protesters setting up a police-free zone in Seattle when asked by reporters.
“That’s news to me,” the Democrat, who ended an ill-fated campaign for president earlier this year, said during a press conference on Wednesday.
Gov. Inslee on so-called “autonomous zone” on Capitol Hill:
“That’s news to me”. pic.twitter.com/L3LT86Zxgq
— Rebecca Perry (@Rebecca_Perry) June 10, 2020
Demonstrators in Seattle established what they call the “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” or CHAZ, a few days ago.
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.
One sign outside the area, which takes up several blocks, reads, “You are now leaving the USA.” Some participating in the occupation have presented a list of demands that includes abolishing the Seattle Police Department.
I’m outside of the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct for @townhallcom. Police have pulled out of the area and protesters have set up barricades in the streets. They have declared it a “Cop Free Zone.” pic.twitter.com/iYFQ9B4jhz
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) June 9, 2020
“I’ll have to reserve any comment about it. I have not heard anything about that, any credible source. Not that you’re not credible,” the governor continued on Wednesday. “It’s just, before I espouse an opinion, I should know of which I speak,” he said, laughing.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Inslee’s office on Thursday to see whether the governor had been briefed on the issue and to Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s office asking whether the two have spoken. Neither office responded to the requests for comment.
However, the governor tweeted shortly after the request was sent, saying, “I spoke with @MayorJenny and her team about the situation on Capitol Hill. Although unpermitted, and we should remember we are still in a pandemic, the area is largely peaceful. Peaceful protests are fundamentally American, and I am hopeful there will be a peaceful resolution.”
I spoke with @MayorJenny and her team about the situation on Capitol Hill. Although unpermitted, and we should remember we are still in a pandemic, the area is largely peaceful. Peaceful protests are fundamentally American, and I am hopeful there will be a peaceful resolution.
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) June 11, 2020
Violent conflicts have been reported in the area despite the governor’s assurances.
President Trump tweeted Wednesday, “Radical Left Governor @JayInslee and the Mayor of Seattle are being taunted and played at a level that our great Country has never seen before. Take back your city NOW. If you don’t do it, I will. This is not a game. These ugly Anarchists must be stooped IMMEDIATELY. MOVE FAST!”
The governor retorted hours after the press conference, “A man who is totally incapable of governing should stay out of Washington state’s business. ‘Stoop’ tweeting.”
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan responded, “Make us all safe. Go back to your bunker. #BlackLivesMatter.”
