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...
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. # # #
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...
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...
Bill seeks to improve safety of patrons and surrounding neighborhood areas Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee, in close collaboration with City Attorney Ann Davison and Mayor Bruce Harrell, has unveiled a new plan to regulate night lounges that operate after 2 a.m. The proposed ordinance would require lounges to...
In 2016, during the Seattle City Council meeting which would decide on a street vacation allowing Chris Hansen to develop land into a third arena, Debora Juarez (former District 5 Councilmember and Council President), said from the dais, “You can build 1 arena, 2 arenas, or 5 arenas, but you cannot build a deep-water port.” ...
The City Council voted 6-3 today to approve final legislation on crowd management guidelines for the Seattle Police Department (SPD). The updated guidelines include several amendments intended to provide additional oversight and accountability, including checks on the use of blast balls. “The crowd management guidelines we passed today strike an important balance of giving our...