Suicidal empathy took center stage in Seattle after the city’s police union sharply criticized the new mayor’s approach to drug enforcement, warning it could accelerate crime and public disorder. The dispute erupted days after self-described democratic socialist Mayor Katie Wilson took office, highlighting early tensions between city leadership and law enforcement.
Seattle Police Officers Guild President Mike Solan condemned what he described as a decision not to arrest offenders for open drug use. “The recent naive, ignorant political decision to not arrest offenders for open drug use in the City of Seattle is horrifically dangerous and will create more death and societal decay,” Solan said. He added that the approach “embodies an enormous flaw” among those who believe diverting addicts away from arrest is the right solution.
Mayor Wilson pushed back in a statement to Fox News Digital, disputing claims of a policy shift. “You’ll know when I announce a policy change, because I’ll announce a policy change,” Wilson said, emphasizing a public safety vision focused on ensuring residents feel safe across the city.
Confusion appears tied to an internal email from Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, reported by KOMO News, stating that “effective immediately, all charges related to drug possession and/or drug use will be diverted from prosecution to the LEAD program.” Barnes later clarified that cases move to prosecution if participants fail to comply and that diversion applies only to personal-use quantities, not drug sales.
Solan remained critical of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, calling it “Suicidal Empathy” and warning it leads to “death, decay, blight and crime.” Wilson said she remains committed to implementing LEAD while enforcing existing ordinances “in priority situations.”
The debate underscores growing friction in Seattle as the suicidal empathy label fuels broader questions about public safety under the city’s new leadership.
