News Summary
Seattle officials, including Mayor Bruce Harrell and Attorney General Nick Brown, have urged President Trump not to send federal troops to the city. They argue that there is no need for federal intervention and that it would not improve safety. This follows concerns over federal labeling of Seattle as unsafe and Trump’s past criticisms. Harrell plans to issue an executive order to protect against federal overreach. Local leaders emphasize that law enforcement can maintain order without military presence, stating that crime rates are down.
Seattle officials have urged President Trump to refrain from sending federal troops to the city amid rising concerns regarding safety and security. At a press conference held at City Hall on September 29, 2025, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown expressed their disapproval of potential federal troop deployment following Trump’s decision to deploy the Oregon National Guard to Portland.
Mayor Harrell highlighted that there is no necessity for federal intervention in Seattle, stating that bringing in armored vehicles and military personnel would not enhance safety. He emphasized that the situation in Seattle does not warrant what he described as an “insurrection.” This statement underscores a broader fight against perceived federal overreach.
Concerns over safety have escalated since federal officials labeled Seattle as unsafe, with Trump himself characterizing the city in derogatory terms. The Trump administration’s justifications for deploying federal troops have included claims of a need to address “rebellion or danger of rebellion” in cities characterized by unrest. This comes amidst considerations of relocating 2026 FIFA World Cup matches away from Seattle as a response to safety issues.
In contrast, Harrell called for the federal government to “stay out of Seattle” and plans to issue an executive order to bolster local protections against federal overreach. At the press conference, Harrell was supported by Police Chief Shon Barnes, Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, and City Council members including Sara Nelson and Alexis Mercedes Rinck, although Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison was notably absent.
As it stands, Harrell and Brown stated that they have not received any formal communication from the federal government regarding troop deployment specifically to Seattle. The deployment of the Oregon National Guard to Portland is intended to protect federal property and ICE facilities in that city for a period of two months. This military presence has faced legal backlash from Portland’s leadership, which has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration contesting the legality of these actions.
Legal challenges surrounding the deployment of federal troops have emerged in various cities across the nation, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Notably, a federal judge recently ruled that a similar deployment in California violated the Posse Comitatus Act, a law that limits the ability of the federal government to use military forces for domestic law enforcement purposes.
Officials in Washington State, including Attorney General Nick Brown, have coordinated with local attorneys to prepare for any potential deployment of the National Guard in Washington. There are fears that Trump’s actions may be politically motivated, targeting areas that have not supported him during elections, with concerns that such measures aim to suppress dissent.
Both Harrell and Brown referred to previous military interventions in Washington, D.C., where the presence of federal forces escalated community tensions. They have also asserted that the current military strategies being employed by the President are un-American and unlawful.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Portland Police Bureau, have expressed their opposition to federal troop presence, arguing that they are able to maintain law and order without external intervention. Meanwhile, officials in both Washington and Oregon are advocating for legal actions to thwart what they perceive as violations of constitutional rights.
Despite these tensions, Trump supporters argue that federal deployment is justified given the ongoing protests and social unrest. However, Harrell pointed out that there is no justification for military intervention in Seattle, citing reports that crime rates in the city are reportedly down.
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Additional Resources
- Washington State Standard
- KOMO News
- Fox 13 Seattle
- King 5 News
- Fox Baltimore
- Wikipedia: Federal troops in the United States
- Google Search: Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell
- Google Scholar: Troop deployment legal issues in the US
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Troops
- Google News: Seattle Mayor Harrell announcement
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
