Seattle Police Begin to Enforce Vandalism Laws After Biden Sworn-In

The Seattle Police Chief announced on Saturday his officers will begin enforcing vandalism laws in the wake of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. His announcement followed anti-police protests in Seattle on January 20.

Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz announced on Saturday that his officers will execute a tighter policy in regards to enforcing laws against vandalism. Diaz told reporters he wanted to crack down on property destruction for months, the Seattle Times reported.

His comments follow a violent Antifa protest on Inauguration Day that left multiple businesses in the downtown district vandalized. Rioters also set fires in the street and burned an American flag.

Seattle Police Department officials reported they arrested three people during the riots.

The chief said that after Wednesday’s events, ” it doesn’t matter who is in the presidential office, it really is a matter of understanding that people are just out there for destruction.”

Anti-ICE, anti-prison rioters marched in the streets carrying an Antifa flag, journalist Brendan Gutenschwager tweeted.

The protests turned violent as Antifa smashed windows in multiple businesses and the local courthouse, Seattle Police tweeted.

Diaz teamed up with Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes to discuss the new policy of increased prosecutions, Seattle Police Department spokesperson Officer Valerie Carson to the local newspaper.

Despite the alleged agreement to increase prosecutions, Homes told the newspaper that misdemeanor policies remain the same.

The chief said many of the 600 people arrested since last spring have not been prosecuted. Most of those cases are misdemeanors, the article continues.

“I have been in conversation with the city attorney’s office, Pete Holmes, and he will be prosecuting these cases, from now on,” the chief told reporters. “He has actually allowed us to have the support of his staff, to assist and review of those cases as they occur, so they can be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

It appears, however, the chief and city attorney are not on the same page.

The city attorney’s spokesman, Dan Nolte emailed a response to inquiries and said, “The Seattle City Attorney’s Office policy has been consistent. Pete Holmes has no interest in charging peaceful protesters.”

Protesters took to the streets again on Saturday, police officials tweeted.

Officials did not say if any vandalism occurred or if any arrests were made.