Joint Statement From Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett And Police Chief Cherie Harris

Press release from the City of Kirkland:

June 1, 2020

KIRKLAND, Wash. - The City of Kirkland and the Kirkland Police Department have a long history of strongly supporting the rights of free speech and peaceful protest to help our nation overcome institutional racism and instances of police brutality that do not reflect our core values of justice and equality. We believe those that violate these values must be held accountable for their actions.

The Kirkland Police Department is doing its best to prepare for potential violence and looting in Kirkland. We understand there may be a protest held in downtown Kirkland this afternoon at 2 p.m., but we are unable to confirm that with absolute certainty at this time. Unfortunately, organized criminals are using lawful protests as an opportunity to create mayhem through criminal acts that have included armed assaults, vandalism, arson and looting. In response to the criminal incidents that have occurred in other communities, the City Manager has now declared an emergency and recommended that local brick and mortar businesses in Kirkland close today no later than 1 p.m. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid downtown and the City’s waterfront parks also beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The City has been advised that other area locations will also be the subject of protests today, and perhaps in the coming days as well. This stretches law enforcement resources to the limit. The first and most important priority of the Kirkland Police Department is public life and safety. Property damage is a high, but secondary, priority when resources are constrained. Please know, however, that the Kirkland Police Department, through mutual aid and other agreements, is coordinating closely with other local law enforcement agencies and law enforcement at the state and federal levels, including through the Governor’s Office. We are grateful for the support of the Redmond Police Department and the Washington State Patrol who have provided additional units to help Kirkland residents and businesses. We have requested National Guard support but Guard resources are currently assisting Seattle and Bellevue. In the past few days, the Kirkland Police Department has assisted local law enforcement efforts in response to looting in Seattle and Bellevue and we expect Kirkland would get additional support from others if needed and available.

We are in this together, and our best advice to you today is to stay safe.

This press release was produced by the City of Kirkland. The views expressed here are the author’s own.