OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee activated the National Guard following vandalism and thefts in stores and shopping malls in multiple cities during weekend protests over the killing of George Floyd.
Inslee had previously authorized 400 troops for Seattle and 200 troops for Bellevue. On Saturday night, people smashed downtown Seattle storefronts and stole items from many businesses, tossing mannequins into the street.
On Sunday, as hundreds of volunteers turned out in downtown Seattle to help with cleanup, there was looting in stores and shopping malls in Bellevue, Spokane, Tukwila and Renton.
Inslee’s activation means more troops could be available to help control unrest.
Meanwhile, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said today that the city will impose another curfew tonight as a result of weekend protests and planned protests expected again for this evening.
Speaking during an afternoon press conference, the mayor said the curfew will begin at 6 p.m. and last through 5 a.m. Tuesday.