Seattle Bans Cops From Defending Businesses From Violent Rioters

Roving bands of looters are now officially the problem of Seattle business owners — and not that of the Seattle police.

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best sent out a letter, dated July 24, detailing a new ordinance that prohibits Seattle police officers from using “less lethal tools, including pepper spray” to disperse any angry mobs. The ordinance can be read in its entirety here.

Best wrote, “Please know that the Seattle Police Department is committed to addressing life safety incidents and calls for service, and responding to ongoing demonstrations and unrest in the city.”

The letter, which emerged on social media, reads, “Please also know that the City Council Ordinance 119805 Crowd Control Tool goes into effect this weekend on Sunday, July 26, 2020. This ordinance bans Seattle Police officers the use of less lethal tools, including pepper spray that is commonly used to disperse crowds that have turned violent. Simply put, the legislation gives officers NO ability to safely intercede to preserve property in the midst of a large, violent crowd.”

The letter continued, “It is important to bring to your attention that yesterday, I sent the City Council a letter ensuring them that as the Chief of Police, I have done my due diligence of informing them numerous times of the foreseeable impact of this ordinance on upcoming events. The letter is attached for your reference.”

The Seattle police chief informs business owners that they are on their own against rioters. The city council has tied her hands. The police do not have the tools to combat mob violence. pic.twitter.com/iLV0ne9Z2i

— Mike (@Doranimated) July 25, 2020

(Read more from “Seattle Bans Cops From Defending Businesses From Violent Rioters” HERE)

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