JASON RANTZ

Rantz: Inslee baffles literally everyone with Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone answer

Jun 10, 2020, 8:50 PM | Updated: Jun 11, 2020, 10:48 am
A sign denoting the newly-formed Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone near the East Precint. (Getty Images) Spraypaint denoting the "CHAZ." (Getty Images) Snacks available for crowds gathered in the CHAZ. (Nicole Jennings, KIRO Radio) A sign letting people know they're now entering "Free Capitol Hill." (Nicole Jennings, KIRO Radio) Barriers set up surrounding the CHAZ. (Nicole Jennings, KIRO Radio) Barriers were repurposed by protesters near 12th and Pine. (Nicole Jennings, KIRO Radio) Graffiti inside the CHAZ. (Hanna Scott, KIRO Radio) Free snacks and food is available for crowds gathered in Capitol Hill. (Hanna Scott, KIRO Radio) Protesters have relabeled the SPD precinct the "Seattle People Department." (Getty Images) Tents set up in Capitol Hill. (Getty Images) A crowd gathers to watch Ava DuVernay's '13th' documentary Tuesday night. (Getty Images) Barriers set up near the East Precinct. (Getty Images) A sign outside the East Precinct. (Getty Images)

Governor Jay Inslee is being widely mocked for saying he wasn’t aware of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone in Seattle, his state’s largest city. This is the biggest story in the country, receiving national attention landing it on the Twitter trending list for over 24 hours.

The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (also known as Free Capitol Hill) is the six-block radius around the East Precinct in Seattle that Antifa, anarchists, and community activists are illegally occupying. Earlier in the week, the city ceded the area to fringe, violent protesters thanks to feckless leadership by Mayor Jenny Durkan.

Inslee is either flatly lying or he really has no clue about what’s happening in Seattle. Either scenario is troubling.

Seattle’s Capitol Autonomous Zone claim baffles

During a Wednesday afternoon press briefing, Inslee was asked to weigh in on the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. Inslee said he had no clue what the reporter was talking about. No one could believe their ears.

“Well, that’s news to me so I’ll have to reserve any comment about that,” Inslee said before an awkward chuckle. “I have not heard anything about that, from any credible source. Not that you’re not credible, just before I espouse an opinion, I should know of which I speak.”

His response earned local and national ridicule. Even President Trump is taking notice, yet the governor isn’t?

Is he lying or is he out of touch?

It seems simply implausible that Inslee hasn’t heard about the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. If he’s that out of touch, we should all find that truly alarming.

I suspect he’s lying because he doesn’t want to get involved. Instead, he’d prefer to let Durkan handle this mess — one that should end her re-election campaign. She’s lost all control of this city and gave a portion of the city to domestic terrorist group Antifa and their-like minded criminals. And yes, the activists apparently extorting businesses in the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone to give them money or conducting armed checkpoints are criminals.

But why in the world didn’t Inslee just say he’s leaving this up to local officials? Why not acknowledge he’s concerned but hopeful it can be solved peacefully?

With the President now involved, calling out Inslee and threatening federal action if it’s not handled, one thing’s for sure: Inslee can’t feign ignorance any longer.

Listen to the Jason Rantz Show weekday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. on KTTH 770 AM (or HD Radio 97.3 FM HD-Channel 3). Subscribe to the podcast here. Follow @JasonRantz on Twitter and Instagram or like me on Facebook

Jason Rantz on AM 770 KTTH
  • listen to jason rantzTune in to AM 770 KTTH weekdays at 3-6pm toThe Jason Rantz Show.

Jason Rantz Show

Jason Rantz

Democrat bill...
Jason Rantz

Rantz: Bill by WA Democrats releases scores of murderers from jail early

The bill allows the newly formed CPB to give early release to dangerous murderers who haven't finished their sentences.
1 day ago
capital gains tax...
Frank Sumrall

Lawyer: WA Supreme Court has ‘convoluted opinion’ over capital gains tax

The capital gains tax, signed last year by Gov. Jay Inslee, went into effect in Jan. 2022, before it was stopped by lawsuits.
4 days ago
drive-by shootings...
Jason Rantz Show

Rise in drive-by shootings a concern for WA State Patrol

There have been a dozen drive-by shootings in King County so far this year. That's about one a week. Troopers do not know if they are connected.
5 days ago
alderwood middle school...
Frank Sumrall

14-year-old student allegedly attacks teacher at Alderwood Middle School

The incident resulted in the arrest and emergency expulsion of the student. The teacher is currently at the hospital.
5 days ago
English cop ticket...
Jason Rantz

Rantz: Dem bill cuts English reading and writing requirement for public safety jobs

If you think the Washington government bureaucracy is inefficient now, wait until you experience life under Senate Bill 5274.
6 days ago
Rent ordinance...
Frank Sumrall

Seattle lawyer on tenants: ‘Lot of reasons to reject somebody with criminal history’

The court ruled the ordinance violated landlords' First Amendment rights after a lawsuit was filed by the RHA of Washington.
6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Emergency Preparedness...

Prepare for the next disaster at the Emergency Preparedness Conference

Being prepared before the next emergency arrives is key to preserving businesses and organizations of many kinds.
SHIBA volunteer...

Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options!

If you’re retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you!
safety from crime...

As crime increases, our safety measures must too

It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety.
Comcast Ready for Business Fund...
Ilona Lohrey | President and CEO, GSBA

GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund

GSBA, Comcast, and other partners are working to address disparities in access to financial resources with the Ready for Business fund.
SHIBA WA...

Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help!

The SHIBA program – part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner – is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions.
Lake Washington Windows...

Choosing Best Windows for Your Home

Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation.
Rantz: Inslee baffles literally everyone with Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone answer