Bellevue mayor declares civil emergency as demonstrators protest, says curfew will be enforced

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue police asked people to avoid the downtown area as a protest moved through the city Sunday.

Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson declared a civil emergency as a result of looters in the downtown area, damaging property and stealing merchandise.

The city said as part of the emergency declaration, the city will have a curfew from 5:30 p.m. Sunday to 5:30 a.m. Monday.

Police said some of the demonstrators broke windows and damaged property. According to police, some of its officers had objects thrown at them.

A spokesperson for the police department said the agency learned Saturday night that “known gang members” were planning on coming to Bellevue to gather and cause chaos.

“They were there to destroy,” Chief Steve Mylett said.

Mylett also emphasized that unlike in Seattle, the curfew will be enforced and arrests will be made.

Mylett says he believes many people came to Bellevue to steal and not to protest or gather in memory of George Floyd who was killed by police in Minneapolis.

Bellevue Way at Northeast 10th Street was closed due to the protest.

Bellevue police said dozens of people broke into Bellevue Square. Officers entered the facility and chased looters out. Police urged people to avoid the area.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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