Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently spoke about a 1996 arrest in Iowa, which he says was the result of racial profiling. At the time, Harrell, then a young attorney, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, brandishing it, and resisting arrest – charges that were later dismissed.
Harrell explained that as a Black man newly relocated to the Midwest, he carried a gun for protection. He linked the experience to his long-standing advocacy for police accountability. “This is one reason I have been a strong advocate for police accountability,” Harrell stated.
The arrest, which had not been widely known during his political career, came to light through an anonymous tip. Harrell’s spokesperson confirmed that he has shared the incident privately with friends and family over the years.
Harrell, elected mayor in 2021, has prioritized public safety and criminal justice reform, including police body cameras and tenant protection laws. Entering his re-election year, he continues to emphasize transparency and equity in law enforcement.
