Washington state governor activates National Guard to contain Seattle protests
Posted May 30, 2020 5:56 pm.
Last Updated May 30, 2020 11:17 pm.
SEATTLE (NEWS 1130) — Washington state’s governor has authorized up to 200 members of the National Guard to be deployed to the streets of Seattle after protests over the killing of George Floyd blocked a freeway Satrurday afternoon.
Gov. Jay Inslee said this was done after the city of Seattle requested assistance.
“The National Guard is on stand by to assist the Seattle Police Department as requested by Mayor Durkan,” Inslee said in a statement. “They will be unarmed and assist with infrastructure protection and crowd movement. They will only be utilized if absolutely necessary and we appreciate their efforts to help in this important work.”
At the request of @CityofSeattle I have activated 200 members of the @WANationalGuard to help protect against property damage and manage crowds and traffic in downtown Seattle. They will be unarmed and work under the city's leadership. https://t.co/vCdbHzHA1h
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) May 31, 2020
In the official letter activating the troops Inslee referenced violence, arrests, and property damage Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
“The National Guard is on stand by to assist the Seattle Police Department as requested by Mayor Durkan,” Inslee said. “They will only be utilized if absolutely necessary and we appreciate their efforts to help in this important work.”
5.30.20 NationalGuard activation
