Residents Encouraged to Stay Out of Downtown and Waterfront Parks

Published on June 01, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT;
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
425-979-6562

KIRKLAND, Wash. – In response to a potential protest that may occur in Downtown Kirkland at 2 p.m. today, the City of Kirkland is strongly recommending that all community members and visitors stay away from Downtown Kirkland and waterfront parks today, June 1 starting at 1 p.m.

Community members and visitors are being asked to avoid downtown and any other commercial shopping areas after 1 p.m. today. The Kirkland Police Department is prepared to respond to potential incidents. The City Manager will be proclaiming an emergency this to help prepare the City and community to respond to any incidents that may occur, but at this time does not plan on issuing a curfew.

“We are receiving reports that Kirkland is a possible target for looting and destruction,” said City Manager Kurt Triplett. “In our neighboring cities, criminal elements have used legitimate protests as cover to for theft and property damage. Out of an abundance of caution we’re encouraging these precautionary measures to help prevent any criminal activity that could cause damage to our local businesses and community.”

“The City Council appreciates all of the individuals that are exercising their free speech rights to peacefully speak out against the murder of George Floyd and the ongoing racial inequities that exist in our society,” said Mayor Penny Sweet. “It is unfortunate that a criminal element is seizing on this opportunity to engage in looting and other destructive activities. We hope that community members and business owners will join us in implementing precautionary measures to protect our community.”

Kirkland, like the rest of King County, is still in Phase 1 of Governor Inslee’s Safe Start proclamation. Community members are still being asked to limit travel to essential and permitted activities. Retail remains limited to curbside pick-up only.

The City and its Police and Fire Departments are monitoring the regional situation very closely and are in communication with other local, state and federal law enforcement and fire agencies. 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. Ongoing updates will be made on the City’s website and social media accounts.