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Protesters declare 'Seattle Autonomous Zone'

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SEATTLE, Wa. — Seattle Police say they are looking to reopen a precinct in the city’ Capitol Hill neighborhood that was shuttered during ongoing George Floyd protests.

Assistant Chief Deanna Nollette said Wednesday barriers were removed from the front of the precinct after it became a flashpoint between officers and protesters.

The Seattle Autonomous Zone is a six-block space with no current police presence.

The area has since been covered in murals, hosted its own town halls, and held a movie night for the documentary 13th, which explores the history of race and the criminal justice system in the United States.

Police have largely remained scarce in that area and in the several nights since, no major incidents have occurred as protests continue.

Despite that, President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday night to criticize the governor and Seattle’s mayor, saying they should “take back” the city, and, “If you don’t do it, I will.”

Officers previously used tear gas after they say they were assaulted with projectiles. Several officials say police overreacted.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.