SEATTLE — The public defender attacked outside the King County courthouse on Nov. 27 spoke during a county committee meeting Tuesday.
“It's dangerous to walk to work if you work in the King County courthouse,” Kevin McCabe said.
The Third Avenue entrance was closed by Presiding Judge Jim Rogers just days after McCabe was randomly punched and shoved outside. A bus driver for King County Metro who intervened was also injured.
McCabe voiced his support for that emergency closure.
“I’m glad everyone is reacting as fast as they have been,” he said.
McCabe is far from the first victim. In 2018, KIRO 7 obtained surveillance video showing a man hitting, touching, and pushing several people outside the courthouse.
In 2017, a juror was attacked outside.
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On Tuesday, other victims shared their experiences with county leaders, judges, and King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht.
“I’ve been a victim of assault on Third avenue last summer,” Hannah Matson said. “I’ve been a victim of someone who's been a repeat offender.”
“I would never bring my child to my workplace now because it is too dangerous,” Nadia Simpson, who described being followed, threatened, and stalked, said.
Others described being randomly hit or attacked, or witnessing people doing drugs, defecating, or masturbating in public places outside the courthouse.
Johanknecht apologized to victims and then spoke to county leaders directly.
“We talk a good game about making them safe,” she said. “It’s time we put up the money.”
That money could come from a proposal King County councilmember Rod Dembowski revealed to KIRO 7 Tuesday afternoon.
It includes approximately $400,000 to the sheriff's office for overtime work on Third Avenue outside the courthouse through June of next year. It's in partnership with Seattle Police, which is adding emphasis patrols during peak hours, and metro transit police.
“Those three agencies together will bring some enhanced uniforms and presence in the courthouse area,” Dembowski said.
“And the idea is to always have an officer in uniform out on that street?” reporter Linzi Sheldon asked.
“That's correct, during our business hours,” he said.
That $400,000 includes money to pay for staff to keep the Fourth Avenue entrance open through June, as well.
McCabe said he supports a sustained officer presence on Third.
“I think that visibility is a big part of what needs to happen,” he said.
Dembowski’s proposal also includes an additional $200,000 for outreach workers to connect unsheltered people to services.
It is expected to be voted upon on Wednesday.
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