Cal Anderson Park footage prompts calls for accountability at Seattle police department, Seattle Councilmember becomes vocal

Seattle, Washington – Following the release of body-worn camera footage that exposed disturbing comments made by a Seattle police officer during a protest response at Cal Anderson Park last May, Councilmember Dionne Foster is demanding more transparency and accountability. The video, which came to light earlier this month through a public records request, renewed interest in the city’s methods for policing protests.

The incident occurred during a counter protest in May 2025, when Seattle police were deployed to manage competing groups at the park. Before a dispute broke out, Foster said, she heard an officer in the video using language that was quite upsetting. Questions concerning decision-making, command direction, and the tone set for cops on the ground have been raised by the comments, which were recorded before arrests and crowd movement.

Foster stated in a public statement that the video raises major issues regarding protest police and how individuals who are exercising their constitutional rights are treated. She underlined that law enforcement’s reactions to protests must be based on de-escalation, accountability, and clear standards, and that Seattle residents enjoy a fundamental right to free expression and peaceful assembly.

Foster is pleading with the city to make the Sentinel Event Review pertaining to the Cal Anderson Park incident available right away. The purpose of the review process is to assess significant events and pinpoint lessons that can stop harm in the future. Foster believes that the final report should contain comprehensive conclusions and suggestions about command-level choices, crowd control tactics, and the actions of officers prior to and during arrests.

She said the public deserves a clear and timely explanation of what happened and why. Transparency, Foster argued, is essential not only to rebuild trust but also to ensure that any mistakes are acknowledged and corrected. She added that sharing what the city learns from the review is a necessary step in preventing similar incidents in the future.

In addition to the Sentinel Event Review, Foster demanded that the Office of Police Accountability conduct in-depth investigations. She pointed out that the Community Police Commission’s involvement and the Office of Inspector General’s independent oversight are crucial. Foster is requesting a precise public timeline that specifies the findings’ release date, the appropriateness of disciplinary punishment, and the remedial measures that will be implemented.

The council member emphasized that accountability needs to go beyond formalities. In order to address issues over training, policies, and on-the-ground practices linked to protest responses, she stated that significant follow-through is required. She cautioned that the public’s trust in the city’s dedication to civil liberties may further decline in the absence of tangible action.

Foster added that in order to ensure that Seattle’s stance on public protests is consistent with the city’s established principles, she intends to keep collaborating with oversight organizations, community partners, and city administration. She presented the matter as one of balancing, stating that Seattle must preserve constitutional rights, dignity, and the welfare of all parties while simultaneously ensuring public safety.

Calls for answers from the police department, oversight organizations, and local authorities have increased since the release of the video. The focus will continue to be on the city’s capacity to provide the accountability and transparency that Foster and many citizens have demanded as assessments and investigations proceed.