This is the latest attempt to distract from the fact that COVID-19 has infected over 6 million Americans, killed 185,000 people, and destroyed the American economy.

The only anarchy zone in America, where the rule of law is disregarded, is at the White House.

https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1301315810485579776

Seattle and cities across America have faced unprecedented challenges with a global pandemic, an economic crisis and a civil rights reckoning. We have lost a record number of American lives, jobs and businesses.

Today is a sad day for Seattle in a hard, hard year. For the past 30 years, Chief Best has been one of those leaders that has shown up and shown what she is made of. I will freely admit that I wish she were staying on, and that I asked whether she would. I have no doubt that she will continue to lead, fight for what is right, be a voice for equity, and change policing and other systems that have perpetuated inequity. Unfortunately, she will not do it here in Seattle as our Chief of Police.

I implore the public to please protest peacefully this weekend, particularly in light of the President making good on threats to send federal forces into American cities. Know that Police Chief @CarmenBest, @SeattleFire Chef Scoggins, and I will do everything in our power to protect our City and protect our residents. mynorthwest.com/2044315/durkan…

We are a nation of laws. The right to assemble, peacefully protest and hold government accountable is a fundamental, cherished right. It is illegal to use the US military against the American people. washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/… The President said on national TV that they authorized deployment of federal forces and “we were all set to go into Seattle. Frankly, I looked forward to it.” Chilling words just months from a national election.

For weeks, we have had incredibly peaceful demonstrations on Capitol Hill. Thousands of individuals came together to call for change, and their message has been heard loud and clear: Black Lives Matter. We must continue to live up to this moment in our nation’s history. But the recent public safety threats have been well documented. These acts of gun violence resulted in the tragic deaths of two teenagers, with multiple others seriously wounded. Despite continued efforts to deescalate and bring community together, this violence demanded action.

In recent weeks, I’ve had more than a dozen meetings with organizations, Black leaders, and protesters. Right now, I am at City Hall doing the work. I will meet with Chief Best to continue our work to move forward on many ideas, including how we reimagine policing and community investments and how that is reflected in the budget.

Our city and our country are at a historic crossroads. We are facing a global pandemic that has led to record unemployment and unprecedented $300M loss to our previously passed budget, while our City grapples with undoing generations of systemic racism. durkan.seattle.gov/2020/06/mayor-… We are still in the midst of a pandemic that has disproportionally impacted communities of color. The @CityofSeattle is dedicating resources to grocery vouchers, meal programs, free citywide testing, rental assistance, small businesses, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Across the City, hundreds of thousands have gathered daily at different events protesting the murder of George Floyd and hundreds of years of systemic racism that led to his death. A recent silent march had nearly 85,000 peaceful attendees whose message was clear: we need change. At the same time, tens of thousands of people have been gathering in Capitol Hill for nearly two weeks to continue their protest, to build community and demand change. During the day, it has been a place for healing, education, and community - but it is very different at night.

It's clear @realDonaldTrump doesn’t understand what’s happening on five square blocks of our City. Cal Anderson and Capitol Hill has for decades been a place for free speech, community, and self expression. @realDonaldTrump Lawfully gathering and expressing first amendment rights, demanding we do better as a society and provide true equity for communities of color is not terrorism - it is patriotism.

In an effort to proactively de-escalate interactions between protestors and law enforcement outside the East Precinct, Chief Best and @SeattlePD officers have removed barricades surrounding the East Precinct while safely securing the facility. @SeattlePD In addition, @SeattleFire has several vehicles stationed near the Precinct to ensure emerging medical needs and fires are addressed if necessary. Keeping this area safe is critical, as there are approximately 500 residential homes in this block.

This has been an incredibly painful week for our City and our country. One that is shining a light on hundreds of years of racism and systemic injustice that haunts our past and our present. It is a moment that summons all of us - including me - to do more and to do better. I do not pretend to have all the answers, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn, and grow, and be held accountable.

Trust between law enforcement and community is earned. Every single action with a police officer either adds to or takes away community trust. Right now in Seattle, and in cities across America, we don’t have that trust. But in Seattle we’re committed to rebuilding it. The @SeattleOPA and Office of the Inspector General will be reviewing and auditing SPD’s response to the demonstrations. OPA reviews individual uses of force, OIG reviews the systemic response. They’re independent agencies whose role is to hold law enforcement accountable.