Cringeworthy moment Washington councilmember and her husband yell at unhoused people to move off sidewalk in front of their condo despite supporting affordable housing

A Washington Councilwoman was caught on camera having a heated exchange with unhoused people earlier this month. 

'Y'all need to move because you're trespassing,' Burien Councilwoman Linda Akey can be heard telling a group of unhoused people outside her condo building in footage taken on February 10. 

Akey and her husband can be heard telling the group outside their tents of the city ordinance prohibiting camping on public property between 7 pm and 6 am. 

'I live here and you do not belong here. You are trespassing right now,' Akey tells one individual in front of the Burien Town Square Condominiums.

'Living 20 feet above a tent encampment is an experience in itself,' Akey later told Fox 13.

A Washington Councilwoman was caught on camera having a heated exchange with unhoused people earlier this month

'Y'all need to move because you're trespassing' Akey shouted at a group of individuals living in tents outside the Burien Town Square Condominiums on February 10

Akey alleged that the exchange happened after nearly a week of seeing open drug use, drug deals and a fire lit next to the building

'I have been calling the police pretty regularly for trespassing,' said Akey.

'I have been told a couple of times by the police to trespass them myself, which is what happened that night.' 

Akey alleged that the exchange happened after nearly a week of seeing open drug use, drug deals and a fire lit next to the building. 

'I recognize 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 struggles faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, it's crucial to find solutions that balance compassion with upholding the 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 pamphlet ahead of the August 2023 local elections Akey ran on a platform of enhancing community policing, stronger gun laws, creating more affordable housing options and support minimum wage increases. 

'I am passionate about working to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness' she wrote. 

Adding: I will support the creation of substance abuse, mental health treatment centers and transitional housing options.'