Democrat mayor says he has 'no desire' to jail repeat offenders, wants to hear their life stories

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell sparked controversy during a debate with challenger Katie Wilson on Thursday, October 2. When questioned about his policies on repeat criminal offenders, Harrell defended a “health-based strategy” that focuses on addressing the root causes of crime, like addiction and poverty.

He stressed the need for more police resources and constitutional arrests but emphasized helping individuals with difficult life stories rather than simply putting them behind bars.

Bruce Harrell's goal is to hire 'culturally competent' officers

During a mayoral debate, Bruce Harrell was asked whether Seattle’s approach to repeat offenders was too lenient, especially given that the city ranks fourth highest in crime among major US cities, according to FBI data. He responded, “That’s an interesting question. I don't know how to answer that question — too lax? I don't know how you gauge that.”

The Democrat expressed full confidence in the police department, praising their use of best practices when applying force. “I need 1,500 officers. I need constitutional arrests. I need people who are killing themselves with drugs to get help, to get treatment,” he added.

Harrell also emphasized his goal to hire “culturally competent” officers, especially following the murder of George Floyd. He highlighted, "We created the Care Department, which is an unarmed response, the largest city in the country to do this. So whether they're lax, in all due respect, is just not the question. The question is, 'Are they effective?' and they are very effective when given the resources.”

Harrell blamed the “defund the police” movement for demoralizing his force but noted that the department is still receiving around 10 new applications daily.

Bruce Harrell says repeated crimes are not the issue

The moderator continued to press Mayor Harrell about repeat offenders, including those committing minor crimes.

At that point, Harrell’s response took an unexpected turn. “So let me make something very clear,” he said. “I was the one that sponsored the 'Ban the Box' legislation when everyone opposed because the criminal system has had a disparate impact on Black and Brown communities. Let me lead with that.”

He explained, "So when this person is committing six or seven crimes, I don't know his or her story. Maybe they were abused as a child; maybe they're hungry. So my remedy is to find their life story to see how we could help first. I have no desire to put them in jail."

Harrell emphasized his hands-on experience with law enforcement, noting that he has questioned officers under oath.

“I've put police officers on the stand. I've cross-examined them. So whether they commit seven or eight crimes to me is not the issue. The issue is, why are they committing these crimes?” he said. He argued that his “health-based strategy” offers the best way to both protect the community and address the root causes behind criminal behavior.

Internet slams Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell over his claims about repeated crimes

As a video of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell stating that repeated crimes are not the main issue, but rather the root causes behind them, went viral on social media, users flocked to share their thoughts, with many slamming the Democrat. 

One asked, "So we can go rob his house when were hungry?" and another said, "Do 6 or 7 crimes against the mayor and test his conviction."

A person wrote, "How the heck can anyone support these policies?" while an enraged individual remarked, "He should be jailed too."

One pointedly asked, "What about his victims' life story?"

"If a leader shows compassion for criminals but ignores the victims, are they leading or failing their people?" someone else questioned. 

A disappointed person said, "Unbelievable, just unbelievable that he is the mayor?"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.