SEATTLE — One year after a woman was killed after leaving the Capitol Hill Block Party, festival organizers and Seattle police said safety and security would be a priority for this year's event.
"The safety and well-being of our fans, artists, guests and staff is top priority for our team. As we have done for years, we continue to collaborate closely with the Seattle Police Department to ensure enhanced security on festival grounds. We will have extensive personnel during the festival hours," organizers wrote on the festival's website.
A spokesperson for the Seattle Police Department (SPD) said the department is emphasizing patrols, adding that officers on routine patrol throughout the city would also be available if needed.
Additionally, special units are prepared to respond to large-scale incidents, including illegal street racing.
Last year, Essence Greene-Madden was killed by a stray bullet. At the time, officers reported a large crowd had gathered with vehicles driving recklessly at the intersection of Broadway and East Pike Street shortly after the block party ended.
"This is more or less one of the safest venues I've been to. I can't complain. There's really no worry of anything about to happen. Obviously, SPD is here," said Sean Doran, a four-time attendee.
Some Friday night concert-goers complained on social media about crowd control, overcrowding and people fainting.
A spokesperson for the Seattle Fire Department confirmed an extra aid unit was requested to assess patients, but nobody was taken to the hospital.
KING 5 invited organizers to comment further on safety and security, but by this story's publishing on Saturday night, there was no response.