(UPDATE: 12:55PM KING5-TV reports over 3 dozen arrests have been made by police in the retaking of CHAZ)
The Seattle Police Department moved into the "Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone" early on Wednesday and cleared protestors from the area.
BREAKING: Seattle Police retake anarchist-held CHAZ pic.twitter.com/hOWjADSePp
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) July 1, 2020
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issued an executive order to vacate the area due to the ongoing violence and public safety issues in the area.
Police have reclaimed the East Precinct, which they previously had abandoned on June 8th. Protestors from the Marxist group Black Lives Matter took over several streets in the area during that time.
Officers are investigating several vehicles circling the area of today’s operation. Police have observed individuals in the vehicles with firearms/armor. The vehicles also appear to be operating without visible license plates.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 1, 2020
Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best has released a statement.
As I have said, and I will say again, I support peaceful demonstrations. Black Lives Matter, and I too want to help propel this movement toward meaningful change in our community.
But enough is enough.
The CHOP has become lawless and brutal. Four shootings–-two fatal—robberies, assaults, violence and countless property crimes have occurred in this several block area.
Chief Best's statement on enforcement of Mayor Durkan's executive order: pic.twitter.com/PqNLTyAx4Q
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 1, 2020
Early Wednesday morning police reported several vehicles circling the area with people inside that are armed and wearing body armor.
There are multiple reports that several small skirmishes have broken out between police and violent protestors.