Wilson has stated her "commitment" to far-left activists, who demanded the high-tech surveillance system be removed over concerns about its potential use by ICE to detain illegal immigrants.
Mayor Wilson briefly turned the cameras on for the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to "general but credible threats to safety and security" detailed by Seattle Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
"Effective this morning, the Stadium District cameras are turned off," Mayor Wilson said in a statement. "This follows through on the commitment I made last month that these particular cameras would only be turned on for the duration of the FIFA World Cup in Seattle, because of its high global profile and the unique circumstances surrounding the event."
Wilson said that the CCTV cameras will remain turned off in the Stadium District until an audit is completed in the Fall.
"I believe we can keep our city safe while also protecting our privacy, but finding the best path to that goal will require continued focus and attention, with community at the table," Wilson continued. "So, as we take these next steps forward, I commit to continue being direct and transparent about our use of technology and our protections against potential abuse—and to keep listening as we go."
The Seattle Police Officers' Guild (SPOG) has warned against turning off the CCTV cameras, maintaining its position that the surveillance system has helped solve many crimes in the crime-ridden city. Moderate city council members, including Democrats, have also urged Mayor Wilson to keep them turned on.
Despite the pleas, Mayor Wilson doubled down on deactivating the cameras, siding with fringe activists over public safety, critics said. Hundreds of thousands of people can flood into the Stadium District for sporting events. Wilson said the CCTV cameras will remain activated in the downtown corridor, the CID, and North Aurora, an area known for open-air sex trafficking.
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