Seattle's new US Attorney says no to safe-injection site
SEATTLE (AP) — The newly appointed U.S. Attorney in Seattle says he will not allow a safe injection site for illicit drugs to open in the city.
The Seattle Times reports Brian Moran says he has told Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes to "not go there," or risk a federal lawsuit.
Seattle has been working to open a site where illegal drugs can be used under medical supervision, as a way to address the pressing problem of overdoses brought on by the opioid epidemic.
States and major cities across the country are considering them, but the proposed facilities have provoked resistance.
A spokeswoman for Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said it was unfortunate the DOJ would try to block a harm-reduction strategy to the opioid epidemic.
Holmes released the following statement in response to Moran's comments:
“Brian Moran is a very capable and respected U.S. Attorney. Given the Trump Administration’s already-stated adversarial stance on this issue already, it was no surprise to hear him recommend that I ‘not go there.’ The Administration’s position continues to be disappointing because these are sites where medical professionals can meaningfully engage with people facing addictions, offering supervision but also treatment. We’ll be watching the civil lawsuit in Philadelphia with great interest.”