Mayor Seth Fleetwood says outside agitators’ plans forced the city to take action against the City Hall homeless encampment a day early.
He told an afternoon news conference, “They put out a call throughout the Northwest to gather in Bellingham on Friday. We acted today to reduce the risk of further injury, violence and vandalism by those who are using the plight of our community’s most vulnerable to further their own agenda.”
He also said that recent developments at the camp raised concerns including “the presence of a fortified wooden structured built outside the front doors containing interior spaces and unknown items.”
He also cited on-going drug activity, assaults and a deteriorating health situation.
Interim Police Chief Flo Simon reports there were four arrests and three police officers were assaulted but not injured.
Campers, protesters and police had left by late afternoon, leaving the scene to city workers to clear debris and clean the area.
Simon acknowledges reports that some of the displaced campers have moved to the Frank Geri Fields near Civic Stadium and they’ll be addressing that situation.
Many of the campers have also moved to Base Camp.
Click below to hear Mayor Seth Fleetwood and Interim Police Chief Flo Simon’s statements.