An Executive Order issued by Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan on July 1 declared the Capital Hill Protest Zone (CHAZ) an unlawful assembly and ordered the police department to disperse it immediately. The document also includes the fact that the rate of assaults, rapes, narcotics and gang activity skyrocketed by 525 percent during the CHAZ occupation compared to the same area one year ago.
Three shootings took place with first responders temporarily detained at the “border.” Some died. A few in mainstream media compared the illegal occupation to an “art festival complete with music and movies.” As this went to press requests for what was playing went unreturned, although if “Apocalypse Now” was screened Robert Duvall’s “Charlie don’t surf” line would ring particularly true. CHAZ residents barely had enough time to put up barricades, threaten innocent citizens, break windows, beat, assault, steal from and shoot the artists in residence, much less wax up their surfboards.
There was also an alarming rise in Covid-19 in the area, according to the Mayor’s statement. Fires and vehicles were also endangering a fresh water supply, affecting many more than those who live or work in the immediate area. Final estimates of damage to the park and city-maintained structures is estimated to be high, although final assessment won’t be available until inspection is complete.
“Ongoing violations of the Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Code of Conduct have been observed, including camping and parking in the park…dumping trash and/or creating unsanitary health conditions [caused by urination and defecation in places other than the park’s restroom] or health hazards that violate public health rules….and abusive or harassing behavior….” According to the executive order. It may be months, even years, before the park returns to conditions considered safe for public use.
The honorable Mayor’s list is long and available on Seattle’s official website. It also includes a mention of threats to the facility that houses the city’s 911 nerve center, which could endanger citizens citywide should an attack stop or delay emergency response.