How Seattle is preparing for summer events and protests

Seattle is gearing up to host some big events this summer – from music festivals to early World Cup matches. The Sounders will host their first FIFA Club World Cup match on Sunday June 15 at Lumen Field.

June is also Pride Month, with all kinds of LQBTQ+-focused celebrations planned throughout the city.

It’s a time when law enforcement agencies are tasked with keeping people safe, and respecting free expression. 

And that balance has gotten extra difficult in recent weeks here in Seattle, after duelling protests by queer demonstrators and their allies and fundamentalist Christian groups.

So we wanted to invite the Seattle Police Department, and the city of Seattle on to talk about how they’re approaching public safety this summer. 

And a note: this conversation was recorded on Friday, prior to this weekend’s protests in Los Angeles, and the mobilization of the National Guard.

Guests:

• Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes
• Seattle Chief Public Safety Officer Natalie Walton-Anderson 

Related stories:

• Cal Anderson protest: No charges (yet), Parks says nope to August, FBI threat, and ‘mostly silent’ vigil planned outside Seattle church - Capitol Hill Seattle Blog
• 8 more arrests at dueling protests, this time at Seattle City Hall - Seattle Times
• 14 indicted on charges of drug trafficking in Chinatown International District - Seattle Times

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