Lewis’ Resolution to Prevent Trump’s Use of Insurrection Act in Seattle Passed by Council

Home » Lewis’ Resolution to Prevent Trump’s Use of Insurrection Act in Seattle Passed by Council

Act requires cities to accept federal troops being deployed

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis (District 7, Magnolia to Pioneer Square) introduced Resolution #31948, The Insurrection Act of 1807 (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255) empowers the President of the United States to deploy U.S. Military and federalized National Guard troops within the United States in some circumstances to suppress civil disorder, insurrection, and rebellion.  The Act would require a local jurisdiction to formally permit and invite federal authorities to come in and assist a law enforcement mission.

“This Seattle City Council does not intend to request — and will never support — any intervention by United States military forces or federalized National Guard,” said Lewis.  “The City of Seattle categorically condemns the President’s statement threatening to use military force to address property damage or violence in any jurisdiction, such as The City of Seattle, that has not specifically requested such intervention.”

On June 1, 2020, the New York Times posted audio of the President of the United States “strongly recommend[ing] to every Governor to deploy the National Guard in sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets. Mayors and Governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled. If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.”

“The City of Seattle has not requested Federal interventions, and in recognition of the Black Lives Matter, the City Council stands in solidarity with and supports the rights of residents to peacefully protest the abuse of police power,” added Lewis.

Lewis concluded, “Let me be clear: no U.S. Military troops are needed nor will they act as police in Seattle. This is an opportunity for community to righteously express anger at the systemic inequities that continue to pollute our society. I support our residents’ right to assemble and I am glad they are doing so. I am hopeful that through this time of grief and anger, we will be able to channel this energy into sustained, systemic reform across our country.” 

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About Andrew:  Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis is a fifth generation Washingtonian and was born and raised in Seattle. He most recently worked as an assistant city attorney in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.  Andrew is the son of a heavy equipment operator for Seattle City Light and a nurse at Harborview.  He graduated with a B.A. in History and Political Science from the University of Washington, and holds a Masters degree from the London School of Economics and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.  Frequent updates about Councilmember Lewis’ efforts are available on Facebook and Twitter.

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