Cringeworthy moment Washington councilmember and her husband yell at unhoused people to move off sidewalk in front of their condo despite supporting affordable housing
- Councilwoman Linda Akey was caught on camera earlier this month having a heated argument with unhoused people
- “You guys need to move because you’re trespassing,” Akey shouted Feb. 10 at a group of people living in tents outside the Burien Town Square Condominiums.
A Washington city council member was caught on camera earlier this month having a heated argument with unhoused people.
“You need to move because you are trespassing,” Burien councilor Linda Akey is heard telling a group of unhoused people outside her apartment building in footage captured 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 are currently committing a violation,” Akey says to someone standing in front of the Burien Town Square Condominiums.
“Living twenty feet above a tent camp is an experience in itself,” Akey later told Fox 13.
A Washington city council member was caught on camera earlier this month having a heated argument with unhoused people
“You guys need to move because you are trespassing,” Akey shouted on Feb. 10 at a group of individuals living in tents outside the Burien Town Square Condominiums.
Akey claimed the exchange occurred after nearly a week of seeing open drug use, drug deals and a fire next to the building
“I’ve called the police on trespassing quite regularly,” Akey said.
“I was told a few times by the police to enter them myself, and that’s what happened that night.”
Akey claimed the exchange occurred after nearly a week of seeing open drug use, drug deals and a fire next to the building.
“I realize I may look angry, and I apologize for raising my voice,” she added.
In a later statement, the councilwoman added: “While I deeply empathize with the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, it is critical to find solutions that balance compassion with maintaining 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 information brochure ahead of the August 2023 local elections, Akey laid out a platform for strengthening community policing, stricter gun laws, creating more affordable housing options and supporting minimum wage increases.
“I am passionate about working to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness,” she wrote.
Adding: I will support the creation of substance abuse treatment centers, mental health treatment centers and transitional housing options.”