The Seattle Police Department is currently investigating troubling claims that one of its officers used Mace on a child during recent protests. Throughout the past weekend, demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd unfolded across the United States and globally, accompanied by an influx of videos capturing the calls for an end to police violence against the black community and for substantive action against systemic racism. Reports indicate that, in some instances, authorities responded to peaceful protests with excessive force.
A particularly alarming allegation has circulated online, suggesting that a Seattle police officer sprayed Mace directly in the face of a young girl. In response, the Seattle Police Department announced an investigation into the matter. Kelsey Nyland, a spokesperson for the mayor’s office, emphasized, “All uses of force by SPD officers will be thoroughly examined, and any inappropriate use of force will face accountability.” She highlighted the importance of maintaining and strengthening community trust, which the SPD and its partners have worked diligently to foster.
Footage from the incident shows bystanders and adult protestors attempting to soothe the visibly distressed child, with one individual pouring milk over her face to alleviate the pain caused by the spray. This method is often recommended since milk’s alkalinity can neutralize the acid in pepper sprays like Mace. Eyewitness accounts reported by Storyful indicate that a photographer, Alex Turner, recorded the viral video, claiming that witnesses saw a police officer spray the young girl.
Turner described the atmosphere during the protests as mostly “peaceful,” with moments like a reverend leading a “prayer for peace” immediately preceding the incident. However, tensions escalated when a protester holding a sign appeared to provoke a strong response from the police, who then advanced aggressively. Turner recounted, “Next thing you know, the little girl and others were running out screaming. They had been maced, and that’s when I started filming.”
In the viral recordings, protestors can be heard requesting badge numbers from the officers. While most complied, the officer believed to have sprayed the girl did not, and he had obscured his badge number. Turner noted that the officer appeared indifferent, even smirking, when questioned about his actions. Activist Mia Carter echoed this sentiment in a tweet stating, “Seattle police maced a child, then refused to provide his badge number.”
Nyland also mentioned that the department is guiding individuals on how to lodge formal complaints, indicating, “The Seattle Police Department has received multiple reports concerning the use of mace by officers during the demonstrations.” Those with concerns have been directed on how to submit complaints to the Office of Police Accountability.
Neither the mayor’s office nor the Seattle Police Department has publicly commented on the specific incident involving the child, nor have they identified the officer involved. However, they did acknowledge the gravity of the claims in the mayor’s statement. The statement read, “During the demonstrations last night, there were several arrests amidst confrontations with officers. One arrest, which has garnered media attention, involved the use of force.” It continued, “All instances of force used during these events will be scrutinized and reviewed by the chain of command, the SPD’s Force Review Board, and the Office of Police Accountability.”
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In summary, the Seattle Police Department is investigating serious allegations that an officer used Mace on a child during protests, amidst concerns regarding police conduct. Eyewitness accounts and videos highlight the distressing nature of the incident, prompting calls for accountability.