Organizer alleges Redmond police intimidated Pride Across the Bridge attendees

An organizer for Pride Across the Bridge told the Redmond City Council on Sept. 2 that the Redmond Police Department’s conduct during this year’s event amounted to intimidation and retaliation.

The allegation matters because the organizer said the department’s behavior disrupted a permitted community celebration and raised safety concerns among attendees.

Aaron Hamilton, who identified himself as representing Pride Across the Bridge, said the group asks only that officers park “nearby but out of sight” when policing the event, and that the organizers obtain permits and hire third‑party security. Hamilton said his past emails to the police and mayor went unanswered and that interactions with police leadership have been dismissive. He told the council that Chief Lowe or a deputy told event organizers, “I don't care. My officers will do whatever they want,” a statement Hamilton said reflected the department’s posture. Hamilton said this year officers “circle[d] the downtown park in their patrol cars treating us like criminals the entire bridal event,” which he said distracted hired security and made attendees fearful. He also said there were reports of a plain‑clothed officer making rounds; Hamilton said it was “unclear if it was city, state, or federal.”

Hamilton told the council Pride Across the Bridge has repeatedly tried to cooperate with the department and provide required permits and emergency protocols; he said the relationship has deteriorated, and that the organizers “want absolutely nothing to do with the Redmond Police Department.”

Council members did not take formal action during the meeting. Hamilton said he had requested a meeting with the mayor to discuss the department’s conduct; the record shows no response or council direction recorded at the Sept. 2 meeting.