Kirkland Asks Businesses To Remain Closed Through Tuesday

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland city officials have extended a request that all businesses remain closed and secure their valuables as a safeguard against potential looting. The city first advised residents and visitors to avoid all downtown and commercial areas Monday, after officials learned of a protest planned for 2 p.m. Monday.

"We are receiving reports that Kirkland is a possible target for looting and destruction," said Kurt Triplett, the city manager. "Out of an abundance of caution, we're encouraging these precautionary measures to help prevent any criminal activity that could cause further damage to our local businesses and community."

Kirkland officials confirmed Monday night that the protest remained peaceful, but the city renewed its recommendation for another day.

"Although the rally and march that occurred in downtown Kirkland this afternoon was peaceful and successful, the City of Kirkland is strongly recommending that all brick and mortar Kirkland businesses located downtown and in other commercial areas remain closed through Tuesday, June 2," officials wrote in a news release. "There has been no specific threat to Kirkland identified, but regional law enforcement intelligence indicates there is still potential criminal activity being contemplated throughout King County."

City officials said Kirkland's police and fire departments are monitoring regional activities throughout the week and coordinating with local, state and federal agencies. Officers from the Redmond Police Department and Washington State Patrol were called on to assist in Monday's response. The city said it also requested support from the Washington National Guard, but their resources were fully deployed in Seattle and Bellevue.

"This is a very fluid situation and the city recognizes that businesses may be asked to take defensive action at any time over the next week," officials wrote. "Ongoing updates will be made on the city's website and social media accounts."

Kirkland's preparations followed a weekend of large demonstrations in Washington and across the nation related to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In Seattle, 57 people were arrested Saturday after hundreds of buildings were damaged and several cars were set on fire, according to police. Bellevue declared a civil emergency Sunday, citing property destruction and looting.

City leaders said there are no current plans to institute a curfew in Kirkland.

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City Manager Triplett and Kirkland police chief Cherie Harris released a joint statement Monday afternoon: