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‘Enough is enough’: Businesses call for Seattle city leaders to denounce riot damage

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Starbucks damage
Protesters smash glass at the original Starbucks store located at Seattle's Pike Place Market on Jan. 20, 2021. (KOMO Photo)
Frustrated businesses targeted by vandals on Inauguration Day were forced clean up and explain to their customers what happened. (KOMO)
Frustrated businesses targeted by vandals on Inauguration Day were forced clean up and explain to their customers what happened. (KOMO)

“It is just inexcusable,” said Tom Norwalk, President and CEO of Visit Seattle. “In this city, which we protect civil rights fiercely, destruction, and violence, and even hate speech just really have no place in this city. I’m concerned because we know that the pandemic and recovery to this industry in this city is going to be years in the making and this does not help.”

Many businesses are still reeling from COVID-19 restrictions and closures.

Tack on the damage done by vandals and it’s become unbearable for many businesses.

Downtown Seattle Association said to date, 160 businesses have permanently closed—for one reason or another.