ANTIFA extremists among Seattle “Autonomous Zone”

AX INTEL BULLETIN: ANTIFA extremists among Seattle “Autonomous Zone”
DATE: 12JUN2020

A collective of protesters, including self-identified anarchist extremists and those affiliated with Antifa, continue to demonstrate against the Seattle Police Department through the occupation of a six-block area of the Capitol Hill neighborhood known as the “Autonomous Zone.” In an effort to de-escalate tensions after days of violent clashes between police and protesters
AX INTEL BULLETIN: ANTIFA extremists among Seattle “Autonomous Zone”
DATE: 12JUN2020

A collective of protesters, including self-identified anarchist extremists and those affiliated with ANTIFA, continue to demonstrate against the Seattle Police Department through the occupation of a six-block area of the Capitol Hill neighborhood known as the “Autonomous Zone.” In an effort to de-escalate tensions after days of violent clashes between police and protesters, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan ordered officers to leave the East Precinct and reduce their presence in the area to avoid further heated confrontations. Historically, the Pacific Northwest region has a range of domestic extremist groups that promote violence and destruction in order to further their ideologies.

  • On June 8, police evacuated the East Precinct and groups set up barricades across the roadways entering the area, referring to the neighborhood as “Free Cap Hill,” or the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ).

  • Several social media accounts affiliated with anarchist extremists and Antifa have openly claimed members are present and active in the area, posting their involvement in the takeover of the CHAZ and advocating a standoff if their long list of demands is not met.

  • Despite reports of a peaceful takeover, the police department has heard of individuals checking for identification at barricades before entering the zone without the authority to do so. Additionally, there are reports of citizens and businesses being asked to pay a fee to operate within this area, and some residents cannot access their homes or businesses. The barricades are preventing the Seattle fire and police departments from accessing and responding to emergencies in and around the area, noting their response time has slowed considerably due to the roadblocks.

  • The protesters have stated their goal is to show the city can exist peacefully without a law enforcement presence, arguing it is possible to defund or reduce police funding. In New Jersey, protests have largely been peaceful and in cooperation with local authorities. NJOHSP does not anticipate seeing this level of occupation. Protests throughout the State have focused on calling for reduced use of force and greater investment in the community.

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