Although they were met with some resistance, Seattle Police easily cleared out the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), also known as “CHOP” in downtown Seattle Wednesday morning after Mayor Jenny Durkan issued an executive order to vacate the area.
Due to ongoing violence and public safety issues in the East Precinct/Cal Anderson Park area. Mayor Jenny Durkan has issued an executive order to vacate the area. Seattle police will be in the area this morning enforcing the Mayor’s order. https://t.co/SpVRYIB8eg pic.twitter.com/JAt2AvUTCr
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 1, 2020
After the weak Democrat leaders of Seattle bowed to the antifa mob early last month, police had to abandon the East Precinct, allowing the antifa and Black Lives Matter agitators to seize a six-block area in the Capitol Hill section of downtown Seattle.
At first, the clueless mayor celebrated the depraved anarchy of CHAZ, telling an interviewer that the occupation against “racist” police brutality had “a block party atmosphere” that could turn into “a summer of love.” In reality, it quickly devolved into violent anarchy that led to multiple injuries and the death of two black teenagers.
“Since demonstrations at the East Precinct area began on June 8, two teenagers have been killed and three people have been seriously wounded in late-night shootings,” the Seattle Police Department said in a tweet. “Police have also documented robberies, assaults, and other violent crimes.”
After hundreds of Seattle Black Lives Matters activists held a “Defund the Police” march through her exclusive Northeast Seattle neighborhood, Durkan decided enough was enough.
Police in riot gear arrived in the “police-free zone” at around 5 a.m. and announced that the squatters had five minutes to clear the area. Seattle PD said in a tweet that cops were wearing highly protective gear because “individuals associated w/the CHOP are known to be armed and dangerous/may be associated with shootings, homicides, robberies, assaults &other violent crimes.”
This is no joke. pic.twitter.com/nTGint5UUY
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 1, 2020
Armed group currently approaching officers at 12th Avenue. Police are giving continuous orders to disperse will continue providing safe exit from the area to the south.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 1, 2020
Officers enforcing today's order are wearing a higher-level of protective gear. Police are utilizing this equipment because individuals associated w/the CHOP are known to be armed and dangerous/may be associated with shootings, homicides, robberies, assaults &other violent crimes
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 1, 2020
King5 reporter Michael Crowe was on the ground reporting as the police cleared out the area.
SPD pushing through #CHOP. Saying leave now or you will be arrested. Have seen some pepper spray used in front of East Precinct. @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/2xOnMA8hjn
— Michael Crowe (@MichaelReports) July 1, 2020
Agitators threw projectiles at the police and desperately tried to form a barricade using toppled porta potties.
Just saw a cone thrown at police. Protestors trying to barricade w toppled porta potties. @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/6eLOoBpLrO
— Michael Crowe (@MichaelReports) July 1, 2020
Cops continued to push through, clearly demonstrating that they could have ended the anarchy on day one if they had only been given the okay by the city’s weak and feckless Democrat authorities.
Police have cleared #CHOP to Pike @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/0GUSkZkFA0
— Michael Crowe (@MichaelReports) July 1, 2020
As police were clearing out CHOP, several vehicles with armed individuals were reported to be circling the area.
Officers are investigating several vehicles circling the area of today’s operation. Police have observed individuals in the vehicles with firearms/armor. The vehicles also appear to be operating without visible license plates.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 1, 2020
Far-left Twitter accounts desperately called for back-up, stressing that “white bodies” need to go to the front of the line.
Far-left accounts on Twitter are calling for backup to stop police from further reclaiming CHAZ.
“Remember, white bodies to the front.” pic.twitter.com/bOM94y9aK8
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 1, 2020
The borders of CHOP were reportedly secured by police before 6:15 a.m. local time and at least 15 agitators were arrested, according to Fox 23.
“Anyone who remains in the area, or returns to the area, is subject to arrest,” police said.
Walked around to E Pine and Nagle. Cal Anderson fields look to have been mostly cleared. You can see the former core area there in front of SPD East precinct is cleared of people. @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/gHwKqV7I7A
— Michael Crowe (@MichaelReports) July 1, 2020
Crowe posted a video of the filthy mess the agitators made in the occupied zone, where every building is covered in grafitti.
Back inside the #CHOP zone. 12th and Pine. Lots of debris left. Crews cleaning up. Just watched Chief Best enter East Precinct. @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/HNAb6TOiI2
— Michael Crowe (@MichaelReports) July 1, 2020
Seattle PD released a compilation of violent incidents at CHOP, using open source video of the violence.