- Councilwoman Linda Akey was caught on camera having a heated exchange with homeless people earlier this month.
- “Everyone needs to move because you are trespassing,” Akey shouted to a group of people living in tents outside the Burien Town Square condominiums on February 10.
A Washington councilwoman was caught on camera having a heated exchange with homeless people earlier this month.
“Everyone needs to move because you are trespassing on private property,” Burien Councilwoman Linda Akey can be heard telling a group of homeless people outside her condo building in footage taken on February 10.
Akey and her husband can be heard telling the group outside their tents about the city ordinance that prohibits camping on public property between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
‘I live here and you don’t belong here. You’re trespassing on private property right now,’ Akey tells a person in front of the Burien Town Square condominiums.
“Living 20 feet above a tent camp is an experience in itself,” Akey later told Fox 13.
A Washington councilwoman was caught on camera having a heated exchange with homeless people earlier this month.
“Everyone needs to move because you are trespassing on private property,” Akey shouted to a group of people living in tents outside the Burien Town Square condominiums on February 10.
Akey alleged the exchange occurred after nearly a week of seeing open drug use, drug dealing and a fire burning next to the building.
“I’ve been calling the police pretty regularly for trespassing,” Akey said.
“The police have told me a couple of times to transfer them myself, which is what happened that night.”
Akey alleged the exchange occurred after nearly a week of seeing open drug use, drug deals and a fire burning next to the building.
“I recognize that I may seem angry and I apologize for raising my voice,” she added.
In a later statement, the councilor added: ‘While I deeply sympathize with the struggles homeless people face, it is crucial to find solutions that balance compassion with upholding the safety and well-being of our entire community.
“We need a collaborative approach involving residents, social service providers, law enforcement and community leaders to address the root causes of homelessness and addiction and find long-term solutions.”
In an informational pamphlet ahead of the August 2023 local elections, Akey laid out a platform for improved community policing, stricter gun laws, creating more affordable housing options and supporting minimum wage increases.
“I am passionate about working to address the needs of the homeless,” she wrote.
Adding: I will support the creation of mental health and substance abuse treatment centers and transitional housing options.’
