Seattle Police are currently looking into alarming reports that one of their officers used Mace on a child amid protests. Over the weekend, demonstrations erupted across the United States and internationally in response to the death of George Floyd, with many calling for an end to police violence against the black community and systemic racism. However, there have been numerous accounts of law enforcement responding to these largely peaceful protests with excessive force.
One particularly troubling claim that has gained significant attention alleges that a Seattle police officer sprayed Mace directly in the face of a young girl. The Seattle Police Department has stated that they will thoroughly investigate the incident. “All uses of force by SPD officers will be reviewed, and those found to have acted inappropriately will face consequences,” emphasized spokesperson Kelsey Nyland in a statement to local media. “It is crucial to maintain and build the trust that SPD and its partners have worked diligently to establish.”
Disturbing videos and images from the scene depict adult protesters and bystanders attempting to soothe the clearly distressed child, with one individual pouring milk over her face to help neutralize the effects of the pepper spray. According to reporting by Storyful, photographer Evan Hreha captured the viral footage, and witnesses asserted that it was an officer who had sprayed the girl.
Hreha described the atmosphere during the protests as generally peaceful, noting that a reverend had just offered a prayer for peace moments before the incident occurred. However, tensions escalated when a protester appeared to provoke the officers, leading them to respond aggressively. “Suddenly, the little girl and others were running away in panic. They had been maced, and that’s when I began recording,” Hreha recounted.
In the videos circulating online, individuals can be seen demanding the officers’ badge numbers. While many officers complied, the one believed to have maced the girl refused to provide his information and had his badge number covered. Hreha noted, “When I focused my camera on him again, he had a stone-faced expression and even smirked a bit. People were questioning his actions.” Activist Marissa Lane corroborated this incident, stating, “Seattle police maced a child and then declined to provide his badge number.”
Nyland also mentioned that the department is guiding individuals on how to lodge formal complaints, saying, “The Seattle Police Department has received multiple complaints regarding the use of Mace by SPD officers during recent demonstrations. Those who have concerns will be directed on how to report them to the Office of Police Accountability.”
The mayor’s office and the Seattle Police Department have yet to directly address the specific incident involving the child, nor have they identified the officer involved. However, a statement from the mayor’s office suggests an acknowledgment of the situation, indicating, “During the protests last night, amidst property destruction and confrontations, force was used in several arrests. One arrest, drawing media attention, involved the use of force.”
The statement further details, “All uses of force during last night’s events will be subject to intense scrutiny by the command chain, SPD’s Force Review Board, the Office of Police Accountability, and the Office of the Inspector General.”
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In summary, the Seattle Police Department is investigating claims that an officer used Mace on a child during protests, with calls for accountability growing stronger. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence are under review as the department seeks to maintain community trust amidst rising tensions.