The Seattle Police Department will be re-opening the streets surrounding the East Precinct, allowing demonstrators to march on Capitol Hill.
Assistant Chief of Patrol Operations Tom Mahaffey sent the following letter to the department earlier today:
To the Women and Men of the Seattle Police Department,
The decision has been made to allow demonstrators to march past the East Precinct later today. Your safety and the security of our facilities are my highest priorities. Additional measures are currently underway to enhance our ongoing efforts to insure the security of our East Precinct and provide for the safety of all our officers.
We will have personnel in place should the need arise to swiftly address acts of violence and/or property destruction.
I want to express my sincere appreciation and admiration for your continued efforts to protect this City and one another during this extremely challenging time.
Assistant Chief Tom Mahaffey
The East Precinct will remain staffed.