During a recent Seattle City Council meeting, angry progressive activists passionately voiced their opposition to a vote that aimed to recriminalize drug abuse in the city. The video footage captured the intense reactions of proponents of Seattle’s laissez-faire laws, who labeled the vote as the “War on Drugs 2.0.” Shouting out at the council members, the crowd accused them of having “blood on their hands.”
Although the ordinance emphasizes diversion instead of charges, individuals in violation could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The city of Seattle has been plagued by homelessness and drug issues, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey revealed that approximately 50,000 residents left Seattle in the past six months due to safety concerns, with 7% of adults feeling compelled to relocate.
Activists vociferously objected to the passing of the ordinance during the city council meeting, even accusing the council members of siding with the alt-right. One man directly called out Councilmember Lis Herbold, expressing disappointment in her decision to vote in favor of the ordinance. The attendees continued their protest as they left the venue, carrying signs and making their dissatisfaction known.
Despite the backlash, the council members who supported the ordinance remained resolute in their votes. Councilmember Andrew Lewis stated his hope for an increase in the number of people seeking assistance and getting off the streets, while also emphasizing accountability for those who refuse services and disrupt public order.
The passing of the ordinance aligns Seattle’s local drug code with the statewide legislation that came into effect earlier in the year, granting prosecutors the ability to take action against drug offenders. Previously, Seattle had not immediately adopted the ordinance, resulting in a less stringent drug code compared to other cities in Washington State.
In July, the Seattle City Council rejected legislation that would have allowed the City Attorney’s Office to prosecute public drug use cases. Three council members expressed concerns about the harmful repercussions of the ordinance. Councilmember Tammy Morales criticized the bill as ineffective and accused it of perpetuating racial harm and making false promises.
The bill will become effective 30 days after Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signs it, which he intends to do promptly. He considers it a necessary step forward, especially given the opioid overdose deaths and the urgent need for innovative solutions. Recent data indicates a significant increase in opioid overdose deaths, particularly related to fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Seattle’s issues have prompted a mass exodus of residents due to safety concerns. The city leads all other major US metro areas in terms of the number of adults considering relocation. About 7% of adults in the Seattle metro area have felt pressured to move in the last six months due to safety concerns in their neighborhoods.
The pandemic has substantially impacted Seattle, resulting in a surge in crime rates and a significant increase in the homeless population. The number of homeless individuals in Seattle grew by nearly 38% between 2020 and 2022, reaching approximately 40,000 individuals in King County.
In August, affluent residents of a Seattle neighborhood expressed outrage over a local homeless population setting up a swimming pool in their encampment. Homeowners were frustrated with the lack of action by officials to address the encampment and its expansion within their community.
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