Homeless Advocates Invade Washington State City Hall — Mayor Flees

Homeless-advocate demonstrators forced their way into the Bellingham, Washington, City Hall after the mayor announced plans to move a temporary encampment. Officials escorted the mayor out of the building after protesters broke in.

The demonstrators arrived Friday morning to protest the city’s plans to move a temporary homeless encampment a few yards further away from City Hall, the Bellingham Herald reported.  The homeless advocates blocked streets with cars and took down the American flag from the grounds of City Hall.

KIRO journalist Deedee Sun tweeted a video showing the protesters dragging the American flag around on the ground.

Officials escorted Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood from the building after the rioters broke into the building, Sun reported.

“It was unsettling,” Mayor Fleetwood told the local news outlet. “They banged on the door and we got word they had somehow broken it open and were entering, and I was advised to leave.”

The mayor said he was ushered out the back door and driven away.

Fleetwood said the city’s plans would only move the temporary homeless encampment 25 feet away from the buildings. The city developed plans to move the homeless after multiple fires and a propane tank explosion.

“We seek a peaceful end to this encampment and if there is confrontation, we will not be the aggressors,” the mayor explained.

Sun reported the protesters eventually cleared out. “Mayor says violence today does not help those who are experiencing homelessness in any way,” she tweeted.

The Bellingham Herald “Camp 210” has been in this location since November. It consists of several wooden structures and large tents.

The newspaper also reported graffiti painted on City Hall.

Bellingham police officials told the local newspaper that about 20 people got inside the building. They said no damage was done and no arrests were made.

Bob Price serves as associate editor and senior news contributor for the Breitbart Texas-Border team. He is an original member of the Breitbart Texas team. Price is a regular panelist on Fox 26 Houston’s Sunday-morning talk show, What’s Your Point? Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX, Parler @BobPrice, and Facebook.