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.
City Attorney Pete Holmes said Moran’s position isn’t surprising, nor will it stop the city from moving to open a safe-injection site.
(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
