Seattle police clear encampment in public park amid pandemic

Seattle, December 22 (RHC)-- In the U.S. city of Seattle, police raided and cleared an encampment of unhoused people at a public park over the weekend and arrested over 20 people.  Residents of the camp were given just 15 minutes to gather their belongings. 

Police reportedly used rubber bullets to disperse protesters at the site.  Community organizer and attorney Nikkita Oliver tweeted: “Sweeping Cal Anderson Park in winter during a pandemic is inhumane.  Why not actually offer people food, supports & services, rental assistance, places to live? @MayorJenny do better. Residents without homes are still humans & still residents.” 

The CDC -- the U.S. Centers for Disease Control -- has advised cities to leave encampments in place during the pandemic if they are not able to help rehouse people in safe places.