Local

SPD removes concrete barricade from around East Precinct

SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department and the city of Seattle have removed the concrete barriers that surrounded the East Precinct after hearing from residents, business owners and community leaders.

At the beginning of April, officials said they would start loosening security in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.Seattle police once said that the barricade reflected the reality of that moment because they could not keep the building and the officers inside safe without it.

Last summer’s riots following George Floyd’s death forced the officers out of the precinct for nearly a month but when the officers returned, the barricades went up. The city constructed the 6-foot-tall concrete wall due to threats.

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During a protest last summer, demonstrators attempted to set the precinct on fire and even used what appeared to be quick-dry cement, sealing an exit.

Some residents also saw the concrete barriers as necessary.

In early April we asked Jarod Manny what he thought about the barricades potentially coming and he said, “I know there’s been a lot of trauma and danger around here. But I’d like to see it come down.”

Although the concrete barriers have been removed, officials said due to previous damage at the precinct, including several attempted arsons, the windows at the precinct will be covered with plywood and a fence will remain around the building.

The removal of the barriers will allow people to walk and bike again around the precinct.

Officials with SPD said, “We know now is a pivotal moment for our department, and we know the barriers around the precinct have been a stark visual reminder of the rifts that exist in our city. We know our department has more work to do, and we look forward to the challenge of strengthening our relationships in our communities.”

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