Seattle council raises staff and elected‑official safety after threats; president plans protections
Loading...
Summary
Council President Hollingsworth described personal security incidents and said she will pursue enhanced protections for members and staff. Multiple council members echoed concerns and cited prior security assessments.
Council President Hollingsworth told colleagues during the March 2 briefing that she has endured security incidents and plans to implement additional protections for elected officials and council staff.
"You can't come to people's homes and attack people's families," Hollingsworth said, describing incidents she has kept quiet about and saying she will be more vocal about the protections council members and staff need.
Multiple council members supported raising the issue publicly. Council member Juarez recounted threats and urged the council to consider options used elsewhere; Council member Saka, Rivera and Foster also described heightened threats since 2020 and emphasized the need to protect clerks and staff as well as elected officials.
Juarez referenced measures considered in other cities, saying councils have discussed ordinances that establish prohibited distances from elected officials' residences. Saka noted the council previously funded security assessments and improvements, including cameras and doors for staff areas, and urged the council to implement recommendations.
The discussion did not produce an immediate policy vote. Council President Hollingsworth said staff will follow up on recommendations from a prior assessment and that she intends to advance changes to protect members and employees. No additional budget figures or new ordinances were introduced during the briefing.
Next steps: council leadership indicated they will pursue implementation of previously recommended security measures and further discussion in coming weeks.
