3rd Ave Courthouse entrance closed because of attacks on pedestrians

Third Avenue entrance to the King County Courthouse
has been closed for the safety of staff, attorneys,
jurors, and visitors
Photo by Google

The 3rd Avenue entrance to the King county courthouse has become so unsafe that the entrance has been closed. Attorneys, courthouse workers, and jurors have all been attacked by street people. Reportedly at least one man has attacked four different people but was charged and released each time.

The Courthouse belongs to King county but is in the jurisdiction of the City of Seattle and Seattle Police.

In the wake of more attacks in the vicinity of the King County Courthouse, the King County Government and Oversight (GAO) Committee will hear testimony regarding security around the perimeter of the King County Courthouse at its Tuesday, December 10, 2019 meeting at 3:00pm in the King County Council Chambers.

The Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court, Jim Rogers, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes have been invited to attend and provide input.

“The intent of this meeting is to bring the various stakeholders, City, County and respective justice systems, together so that we can begin to work as a united front to solve this crisis,” said Government Accountability and Oversight Committee Chair Pete von Reichbauer of Federal Way.

King County Council Chair Rod Dembowski issued a statement.

“I support the Superior Court’s decision to take aggressive action to protect the public and our county employees who work in and near the King County Courthouse.  I have fought to secure funding in recent years to keep the Fourth Avenue entrance open, as well as worked to activate and improve safety in City Hall Park.  I have advocated directly to Mayor Durkan to increase the City’s police presence around the courthouse.  

Unfortunately, security remains a serious concern with inadequate attention and action to date.

“I am introducing emergency legislation to appropriate necessary funding to support the work and recommendations of the court’s proposed courthouse security work group, as well as to immediately enhance safety around the courthouse, and plan for longer-term safety and security improvements to the area.”