Gov. Inslee activates National Guard statewide
May 31, 2020, 2:21 PM | Updated: 10:54 pm
Washington National Guard in downtown Seattle on Saturday night. (Washington National Guard)
(Washington National Guard)
Just hours after activating a third round of National Guard members, Gov. Inslee said he has activated the Guard statewide.
Following an additional request from Spokane County, I have decided to order a statewide activation of the National Guard. This allows us to deploy additional aid in protecting individuals and property in the event of further destructive or violent acts. https://t.co/9ngytTW0Ul https://t.co/AIvKselZJD
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) June 1, 2020
At least 116 members were deployed to the city of Bellevue Sunday evening after looting broke out in the downtown core. People broke into Lincoln Square, The Bravern, Bellevue Square, and small businesses in the area.
Earlier Sunday, Inslee activated more Guard members to help clean up Seattle and prepare for potential afternoon protests.
Photos from Seattle on Saturday
Mayor Durkan sheds tears over destruction in downtown Seattle
Inslee said the guard members will be unarmed and under the direction of city leadership. They’ll be on hand to help clean up from Saturday’s riot, protect the city from further property damage, and manage crowds and traffic during protests.
Last night, under the direction of the Governor, 200 members of the @WANationalGuard were activated to augment the @SeattlePD, assisting with traffic control and area presence to discourage damaging property related to downtown #seattleprotests pic.twitter.com/PbIwV81dpo
— WA National Guard (@WANationalGuard) May 31, 2020
The governor tweeted on Saturday afternoon that he was activating the first set of 200 National Guard members.
Inslee issued a statement about the riot in Seattle:
“Saturday’s disheartening events in Seattle – carried out by a smattering of the thousands of protesters on hand – will not deter the cause of justice. Hundreds of public servants and volunteers are already helping clean up the property damage done. I have complete faith that downtown Seattle will recover from this quickly, and the state will help, however we may be of assistance.
“Thousands were protesting peacefully against an atrocious act of brutality. This cause confronts a different kind of destruction, one that can’t be fixed with new windows, graffiti-scrubbed walls or insurance. The message behind the demonstration was compelling and one all of us should share. We will not allow vandalism and destruction to obscure the protest’s central call for justice.
“On behalf of all Washingtonians who believe in justice, I want to thank the protesters who carried a peaceful and important message. We all also owe gratitude to law enforcement, fire fighters, medics, National Guard and volunteers who are working to protect the city and its people.”
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