An American Airlines plane collided with a military helicopter crashing into the Potomac River near D. Once the Public Safety Committee resumed, the unruly behavior continued and two people ended up being ejected. Despite the escalating level of disorder, committee members ultimately approved a controversial ban on prostitution-loitering along Aurora Avenue which is called Stay Out of Area of Prostitution, or SOAP zone. The approval vote on the SOAP zone brings Seattle a step closer to banning people from Aurora Avenue if they are arrested for sex trafficking or being a customer.
An amendment to the proposed ordinance states the priority for prostitutes is diversion and referrals to services, not arrest. Police said much of this gun violence is tied to turf wars between pimps and gangs who control the illegal sex trade. Despite that, during public comment several speakers questioned the connection between sex work and gun violence. She also faulted the approach. However, the room erupted when public comment closed and a number of people still wanted to testify.
Some shouted down city leaders to the point where recesses had to be called. Eventually Seattle police came in and had to escort one man out. A second man was also later ejected from council chambers. Councilmember Rob Saka later announced that security footage at city hall captured someone who had left the meeting spray painting the building on their way out. The legislation now goes to a possible final vote before the full City Council. That could happen as early as next week.
There are additional complaints that more money is not included to expand services for survivors of the illegal sex trade. Councilmember Moore said she is working on that and will introduce her proposal during upcoming budget talks. Thu, 30 Jan GMT Story Infinite Scroll - News3 v1.
School Delays. Weather FAQ. KOMO Cams. Hurricane Tracker. Seattle Weather History. Game Center. Chime In. Now Thu Fri Breaking News. Plane collides with military helicopter. Show Less. Breaking News Plane collides with military helicopter. Seattle City Council approves controversial zones amid chaotic committee meeting. Seattle police surround a man who began shouting and disrupting the Public Safety Committee hearing when city leaders called for an end of public comment after 90 minutes of testimony on Sept.
