Seattle Police Chief Has Seen Enough, is Resigning After Rioters Went to Her Home and Budget Cuts Pushed

Seattle City Council voted to cut the Seattle Police Department’s budget and also approved a reduction in salary for Police Chief Carmen Best. Only one member of the Council voted against amending the police budget, Kim Sawant.

Sawant is quoted as saying “It completely fails to defund the police by 50%, as six of the eight council members had promised to support and carries out a major austerity program on behalf of big business.”

KIRO 7 of Seattle’s reporter Essex Porter tweeted out, “#BREAKING: @SeattlePD Chief @carmenbest is resigning tomorrow after @SeattleCouncil Council voted to cut her pay, her budget, and restructure department.”

#BREAKING: @SeattlePD Chief @carmenbest is resigning tomorrow after @SeattleCouncil Council voted to cut her pay, her budget, and restructure department. pic.twitter.com/JUkbBdJLhz

— Essex J. Porter (@EssexKIRO7) August 11, 2020

Best also has had protesters show up to her residence earlier this year, the protesters also held a gathering outside of the Seattle mayor’s house. This is a breaking story with possible updates to come. King5.com reported:

Best’s resignation comes after the Seattle City Council voted to cut spending for the Seattle Police Department on Monday.

SEATTLE — Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best is resigning, sources tell KING 5.

The news of Best’s resignation comes on the same day the Seattle City Council voted to cut spending for the Seattle Police Department.

Best has been dealing with issues regarding police brutality nationally, as well as police use of force during Seattle protests, and navigating the Consent Decree. 

Best also had protesters come to her Snohomish County house, creating tension with neighbors. 

KING 5 chief political reporter Chris Daniels has been tracking matters at City Hall, and said Best’s resignation is due to council actions, including a proposed massive pay cut, plus the council’s refusal to denounced marches to her house.

Best has said she was not included in any city council discussions regarding budget cuts and changes to the department she runs. 

It appears her resignation will be imminent. 

There will be a press conference at 11 a.m. on Tuesday with Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Best explaining the decision. 

Best has been with SPD for 28 years. She was the first Black police chief in Seattle’s history. She took on the role as chief of police on Aug. 13, 2018.