Following Monday’s press conference with Mayor Bruce Harrell, State Attorney General Nick Brown, and other city officials, President Trump again inflamed tensions today by claiming he’d use Seattle and other “dangerous” cities as “training grounds” for the military. Over the past two years Seattle crime rates have trended downward, police hiring is dramatically up, and...
Today, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following statement in response to continued actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Seattle, and the agency’s recent recruitment video that specifically attempts to persuade Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers to work for ICE. I am incredibly concerned by the latest ICE actions – not...
Earlier today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee, made the following statement in support of a community-led 15-Point Plan aimed at addressing crime and enhancing public safety in Little Saigon, Chinatown International District. “I fully support the work that is happening in Little Saigon right now to help make their...
Amended legislation includes added data and privacy safeguards Today the City Council voted 7-2 in favor of two crime prevention bills which authorize the installation of cameras in three new public places (Capitol Hill, the Stadium District, and areas near Garfield High) and allow Seattle Police to access Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) traffic management...
Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released the following statements in response to unprecedented actions by the federal government involving ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Army National Guard. “Seattle is facing many challenges from the federal government with respect to public...
Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) made the following opening remarks at the July 22 and Aug. 12, 2025 Public Safety Committee meetings. He has consistently voiced his concern about the unprecedented actions of the federal government and their potentially negative impact on Seattle’s public safety progress. # # #
Today, the Council approved by an 8-0 vote a resolution introduced by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) to dedicate up to 25% of any proposed sales tax increase to a progressive public safety initiative that would invest in critical addiction treatment services. The goal of the initiative is to fill treatment gaps in existing...
Civil fine option aimed at deterring property crimes Today, by a 7-1 vote, the City Council approved a new amended ordinance to combat graffiti on a new level, on both public and private property throughout Seattle. The legislation, sponsored by Public Safety Chair Bob Kettle (District 7) and proposed by City Attorney Ann Davison, would...
Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee, released the following statement in response to Saturday morning’s triple homicide and other recent incidents of gun violence in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. “The violence this weekend in Pioneer Square and other parts of the city shows, despite progress being made on our public...
Today, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released the following statement on the 6-0 vote to approve legislation establishing new safety regulations for nightlife lounges operating after 2 a.m. Over the past decade, there have been dozens of shootings and homicides that have occurred in connection with these venues. CB 120956 was co-sponsored by Council...