Seattle police make tactical, predawn move to dismantle deadly CHOP zone, 13 arrested

The Seattle Police Department moved early Wednesday morning to dismantle the "Capitol Hill Organized Protest Zone" after a series of fatal shootings in and near the area, also known as the CHOP zone.

The pre-dawn move, at about 3 a.m., reportedly resulted in the arrests of at least 13 people. 

"Anyone who remains in the area, or returns to the area, is subject to arrest," the city's police department tweeted.

The move follows Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan issuing a 48-hour, public-safety executive order to vacate the CHOP following weeks of violence, including four shootings that resulted in the deaths of two teenagers.

"Enough is enough," said police Chief Carmen Best. "The CHOP has become lawless and brutal. Four shootings — two fatal — robberies, assaults, violence and countless property crimes have occurred in this several block area." 

The city's police force wore high levels of protective gear because multiple demonstrators in the CHOP are in possession of firearms. Officers were able to clear the area in under 30 minutes.

The Seattle Police Department's East Precinct building was evacuated on June 11.