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 the City Council has passed...
Robert Kettle
Posts from Councilmember Kettle
Councilmember Kettle: Ongoing ICE operations endanger public safety progress
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 only the indiscriminate targeting of...
Councilmember Kettle voices strong support for public safety plan in Little Saigon, Chinatown International District
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 neighborhood safer for everyone. As...
Council approves pair of public safety technology bills
Amended legislation includes added data and privacy safeguards SEATTLE – 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 camera footage at...
Public Safety Chair Kettle and Council President Nelson on protecting Seattle from federal public safety threats
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 safety, particularly with federal law...
VIDEO: Public Safety Chair Kettle on federal intervention and negative impacts on Seattle communities
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. # # #
Council acts to curb graffiti with new tools
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 make graffiti taggers subject to...
Council broadens chronic nuisance ordinance to improve public safety related to late-night establishments
The City Council today adopted legislation by a 7-1 vote amending the current Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance in order to address after-hours venues and establishments that continually violate laws. Council Bill 121006, proposed by Mayor Bruce Harrell and sponsored by Public Safety Committee Chair Bob Kettle (District 7), includes adding liquor violations and the possession and sale of stolen property...
Public Safety Chair Kettle’s statement on recent tax proposals
Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), who chairs the Public Safety Committee, released the following statement on two recent tax proposals. Last week Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8, Citywide) announced a new proposal to lower city taxes for approximately 90% of Seattle businesses that currently pay the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax to raise revenue to protect funding to essential...
Seattle City Councilmembers urge peaceful demonstrations ahead of weekend gatherings
Today in anticipation of the large demonstrations scheduled for this weekend, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), and Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following joint statement. This morning, Council President Nelson also joined state and local leaders at a press conference discussing public safety preparations. Seattle fully supports the right for people to...
City Council passes new safety regulations for after-hours lounges
New regulations developed in collaboration with operators seek to address persistent violence The City Council today voted 6-0 to approve a new amended ordinance relating to regulation of after-hours nightlife lounges that are open between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. In light of a recent double murder at a nightclub in Rainier Beach and other late-night establishments...
City Council approves resolution endorsing holistic approach to public safety
Today the City Council adopted a resolution, sponsored by Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), strengthening Seattle’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to public safety. The resolution expresses appreciation for the community’s first responders, recognizes work done to reform the Seattle Police Department (SPD), endorses accountability measures, calls for diversified responses to 911 calls as offered by the new Community Assisted...