Jordan during Thursday’s protest inside Elliott Bay Book Co. (Image: CHS)
As a former federal official — Durkan served as U.S. Attorney prior to her run for the mayor’s office — who has overseen proceedings against activists and been a vocal supporter of the Seattle Police Department, you can expect similar protests to be an ongoing theme of her time as mayor.
Joseph Jordan, 35, faced a misdemeanor trespassing charge after being arrested Thursday outside the 10th Ave bookstore as Durkan continued her speech inside announcing the formation of a small business advisory council.
“As U.S. Attorney, Jenny Durkan used a five time sex offender to impress two muslim men with mental health issues in a bogus terror plot,” the first protester shouted as the mayor began her speech, referencing this 2012 case. There was no visible police presence inside as the disruption began and employees and Durkan staffers attempted to move the woman out of the store.
As the first protester was escorted out, Jordan appeared, his face mostly covered with a helmet and kerchief, and shouted out his prepared statement which included criticism of Durkan’s support for SPD’s reform process and the department’s handling of the Charleena Lyles killing. Jordan was taken into custody outside the store by police who were called during the protest. The first woman and a third person with her and Jordan were not arrested.
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Jordan, free on $1,000 bail following his arrest, told CHS he did nothing wrong because he did as officers asked and claims he was never physically violent or threatening. He was scheduled to appear in court Saturday. No complaint was filed and he was free to go after his bail was exonerated, according to Seattle Municipal Court records
Court records also show Jordan was cited for obstruction this summer after being arrested on June 10th, the same day as counter protests against a supposed anti-Sharia rally in Seattle.
One protester detained outside pic.twitter.com/Ge3QcGU0Pr
— jseattle (@jseattle) November 30, 2017
Jordan said he did not expect to be arrested for his actions Thursday. “I didn’t overturn tables, put hands on the mayor,” he said Friday.
Jordan told CHS he found out about Durkan’s planned event and neighborhood tour and tried to organize those who could show up during the day for the action. Jordan said Durkan’s support for homeless sweeps also drove him to oppose her appearance.
Durkan served as U.S. Attorney from 2009 to 2014. Many in the Seattle activist community have been especially critical of her oversight of a grand jury in a 2013 case that incarcerated two anarchists.
With reporting by Kelsey Hamlin
