Trump threatens to tackle ‘domestic terrorists’ in Seattle after ‘ugly anarchists’ overrun district and kick out cops
PRESIDENT Trump has said he will act to remove "domestic terrorists" in Seattle if officials fail to regain control of a six-block area that has been occupied by George Floyd protesters.
Demonstrators have declared the "Capital Hill Autonomous Zone," or CHAZ, near the city's central district, setting up armed checkpoints and frisking people before allowing them inside.
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Seattle Assistant Chief Deanna Nollette said she had also heard anecdotal reports of businesses in the area being extorted for cash before being allowed to carry on operating.
On Wednesday night, wrote on Twitter: "Radical Left Governor [of , Jay Inslee] and the Mayor of Seattle are being taunted and played at a level that our great Country has never seen before.
President Donald Trump's comments come as:
On Thursday morning, the president tweeted again, writing: "Sleepy refuses to leave his basement "sanctuary" and tell his Radical Left BOSSES that they are heading in the wrong direction.
"Tell them to get out of Seattle now. Liberal Governor @JayInslee is looking "the fool". LAW & ORDER!"
Continuing his Twitter spree, he added later that day: "Radical Left Governor @JayInslee and the Mayor of Seattle are being taunted and played at a level that our great Country has never seen before.
"Take back your city NOW. If you don’t do it, I will. This is not a game. These ugly Anarchists must be stopped IMMEDIATELY. MOVE FAST!"
Footage of the incident went viral, sparking protests in cities around the as well as violent clashes between demonstrators and police.
The demonstrations have already led to pledge that its police department will be disbanded, and are now focusing on calls for the of Confederate generals and others historical figures.
Demonstrations in city in recent days have seen police deploy tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades and carry out multiple arrests.
'OPEN AND PEACEFUL'
The protesters are calling for, among other things, the city's police department to be disbanded and Mayor Jenny Durkan to resign.
The area they have occupied contains the city's East Police Precinct, photos of which show a sign above the door changed to read: "Seattle People Department".
Local rapper and activist Raz Simone is thought to have become a de facto leader in the area, and took to Twitter last night to respond to the President's tweet.
"The President really put a hit on my head," he wrote.
"I’m not a Terrorist Warlord. Quit spreading that false narrative.
"The world has NEVER been ready for a strong black man.
"We have been peaceful and nothing else. If I die don’t let it be in vain."
Assistant Chief Nollette said police were working on "reopening a dialogue" with the protesters.