Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan | durkan.seattle.gov
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan | durkan.seattle.gov
On May 31, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan took to Twitter to acknowledge that the recent protest-related violence and destruction was perpetuated by white men.
“I want to acknowledge that much of the violence and destruction, both here in Seattle and across the country, has been instigated and perpetuated by white men.”
She continued with the following statement:
“These individuals experience the height of privilege and are co-opting peaceful demonstrations that were organized by and meant to center people of color, particularly Black Americans.”
Durkan's tweets have gained the attention of mainstream media, such as Business Insider.
On June 1, Sonam Sheth included Durkan’s tweets in a column summarizing political and law enforcement responses to nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyd, a Black man who died in Minneapolis after being pinned to the ground by a white officer who had his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.
As of June 2, protests had continued in Seattle for five consecutive days, according to KOMO News.
On June 2, Durkan addressed protesters at a news conference. According to KOMO News, protesters wanted to speak with Durkan about a variety of topics, including allocating more money to local communities, education, affordable housing and healthcare.
"We want you to continue on the path of justice, but we need you to please do it peacefully," Durkan said in her address to an assembled crowd.
The Daily Hive reported that some protesters supported Durkan’s view of the protests and subsequent violence, although the publication also showed the opinions of other protesters who blame the Seattle Police Department.
On Saturday, the day before this press conference, Durkan imposed a curfew that went into effect at 5 p.m. on May 30 and continued into the next two days before it was lifted at 5 a.m. on the morning of June 1.
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