SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department (SPD) moved into the "Capitol Hill Organized Protest" (CHOP) zone and returned to the department's East Precinct early Wednesday morning after abandoning the building three weeks ago.
Officers arrested at least 31 people by 9:25 a.m. for failure to disperse, obstruction, resisting arrest, and assault. SPD tweeted that officers made an additional arrest around 10:50 a.m. at Broadway and E. Pine St.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued a 48-hour executive order for protesters to vacate the area due to the ongoing violence and public safety issues in the area of the East Precinct and Cal Anderson Park. Mayor Durkan's order declared the gathering as an "unlawful assembly" that required immediate action.
Two teenagers were killed and three other people were injured in shootings in or near the CHOP since the protest began on June 8. The precinct was evacuated on June 11.
Police moved into the CHOP just before 5 a.m. and issued a dispersal order to any protesters in the area.
"Anyone who remains in the area, or returns to the area, is subject to arrest," SPD tweeted...
...SPD said officers enforcing Mayor Durkan's order were "wearing a higher-level of protective gear" because "numerous people in the area are in possession of firearms" and that suspects in recent shootings may still be in the area.
At 6:35 a.m., SPD said it was investigating "several vehicles" that were circling the area after officers moved into the CHOP. Police said the vehicles didn't appear to have visible license plates, and the people inside were seen with "firearms/armor."
Police said a 29-year-old man that was arrested Wednesday had a large metal pipe and kitchen knife when he was taken into custody.
Police tweeted city workers also recovered "improvised spike strips" from the area around the CHOP...
At least 32 arrested as Seattle police retake control of East Precinct in Capitol Hill | king5.com