Martin Luther King Way shut down as police investigate oil drum with Thin Blue Line flag
Jun 30, 2022, 12:42 PM | Updated: 1:58 pm
Photo from Darren Dedo
Update:
The barrel has been cleared by the bomb squad and SDOT has reopened Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Roads reopening in the area. After a thorough investigation, detectives determined the suspicious item is not a danger to the public. Thank you for your patience. https://t.co/bd8PZhR6Oa
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) June 30, 2022
Original:
Seattle Police Department is currently investigating a mysterious blue barrel with a Thin Blue Line flag in Columbia City.
Seattle Department of Transit announced this morning that they had closed Martin Luther King Jr Way between Juneau Street and South Eddy Street. They are currently investigating what looks to be an oil drum decorated with a Thin Blue Line flag sticking out of the top.
Arson/Bomb Squad detectives are on scene and continue to methodically investigate this incident to ensure the safety of those in the area. https://t.co/84sPInrVMM
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) June 30, 2022
It has wires coming out of it, so police are treating it as a possible bomb.
Video from KIRO 7’s helicopter show two bomb squad robots investigating the barrel. Police have advised people in the area to stay inside.
Darren Dedo is at the scene where he interviewed an employee of Hillman City Medical, a clinic at the intersection near the barrel.
“This morning we saw the flag and it was shocking to see that in a community that has historically been marginalized and a community of color, it’s offensive,” the employee said. “With everything going on it feels like it could be domestic terrorism.”
Sound Transit has also shut down the light rail between Columbia City Station and Othello Station as a precaution. They are running shuttle buses for commuters between the two stations.
