Mayor Murray statement on today’s rally and march

Mayor Ed Murray released the following statement in response to comments made during today’s rally and march outside the federal courthouse:

“Today’s march was one of several over the last few weeks, including the 175,000-person women’s march, that have been conducted peacefully, with the assistance of Seattle Police. As a City, we will continue to stand up for our values, have faith that the judiciary will defend the rights of all who live here and take legal action where necessary. The Seattle Police Department and the City cannot stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal authorities from conducting raids in our city, and suggestions that would possibly create violent scenarios would undermine the commitment to peaceful protest called for by so many over the last month. Being dishonest with the communities in our city targeted by the Trump Administration is irresponsible and dangerous when our City aims to do everything we can to support them.

“And we must stand together to oppose these Executive Orders, not attack each other or allow ourselves to be divided.”