Seattle marks 5 years since George Floyd's death with calls for reform

Seattle residents commemorated the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's death with a rally hosted by the Seattle Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. Participants renewed calls for police reform and accountability, emphasizing the need to defund the police amid ongoing concerns about racial injustice. The rally featured speakers who criticized the government's failure to enact meaningful reforms and highlighted cases like Jaahnavi Kandula's death at the hands of a police officer. Since Floyd's murder in 2020, the Seattle Police Department has lost over 600 employees while violent crime has surged to a 30-year high. The event remained peaceful, contrasting sharply with the violent protests of 2020 that resulted in the establishment of the "CHOP Zone" in Capitol Hill.

Last year, the city settled a $10 million lawsuit with protesters who claimed injuries from police tactics during those demonstrations. Organizers also addressed broader social issues, including calls for divestment from Israel and increased protections for transgender children. The ongoing demands reflect deep community concerns about systemic racism and police accountability.