Seattle Business Owners Demand Action on Public Drug Use Amid Safety Concerns

A small-business owner in Seattle says that despite city statistics indicating a decrease in crime, the reality on the ground is worsening, marked by increased public drug use, slow emergency responses, and persistent encampments.

Matt Humphrey, owner of Steele Barber and Steele Salons, told Fox News Digital that the situation has deteriorated over the past year. "It's not getting better, it's getting worse despite the statistics," Humphrey stated. He recounted an incident where he witnessed open-air drug use near his shop, including individuals consuming substances and scattering produce from a local restaurant. Despite calling 911, he reported that police did not arrive. "We just encounter this really every day or every week, and it's, it's dangerous for our staff, and it's not great for our customers," he said.

Humphrey's concerns echo those of numerous business leaders who recently sent an open letter to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council. The letter, signed by executives from prominent companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, Nordstrom, the Seattle Mariners, and Alaska Airlines, urges the city to implement a 100-day public safety action plan. The signatories are calling for enhanced surveillance, increased police staffing, and faster emergency response times. They also advocate for prioritizing treatment and shelter options, coupled with accountability measures for individuals who repeatedly refuse assistance.

Humphrey expressed encouragement that larger companies are stepping forward. "It's encouraging to see big companies step forward and demand some accountability for what we really are working hard to do in the city, which is provide jobs," he said.

Despite the city administration's claims, Humphrey asserted that his daily observations contradict official crime statistics. "I think it's getting worse," he said. "I don't think it's getting better, and that's the tough part. It's like when people throw around statistics, that's not what I see, it's not what I see driving around."

He described a recent incident where he called 911 about an individual who appeared unresponsive near his home. Humphrey noted that the response involved being transferred between the 911 operator and emergency medical services, with questions about his comfort level approaching the person. "We don't know what's going on. This is the kind of stuff that we're living with in the city of Seattle," he said.

Humphrey emphasized the critical need for police support to ensure the safety of his employees and customers. "And employee security for our own employees, and we can't do that if we're not supported by the police," he said. "So, increased police on the streets, increased response times to when we do call. I think those are all really simple things that we can get in place quicker if the — if the mayor and the city leaders put this into action."

Addressing Mayor Wilson directly, Humphrey appealed to her as a parent. "Gosh, you're a mom, you don't want your kids walking by people with needles laying on the ground or walking into your business," he said. "I deal with that all the time." He urged the mayor to move beyond policy and process to enact immediate change, warning that inaction could lead to the city's decline. "We just have to make the change now. It just — I've been saying this for six years — we just have to make a change, or we're just going to lose the city."

Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Wilson and the Seattle Police Department for comment but did not receive an immediate response.