Seattle mayor faces protests over crime concerns near World Cup venue

Business owners in Seattle's Chinatown International District say foot traffic has dropped sharply during the FIFA World Cup, which includes a U.S. match at Lumen Field today. Local residents and merchants link the decline to visible crime and open-air drug activity. They say visitors are avoiding the neighborhood despite its location less than a mile from the stadium.

Protests target city response Demonstrators gathered near World Cup crowds to voice frustration with the mayor's handling of the district. One organizer told KIRO 7 that the area has become a "human dumping ground" for homeless individuals and drug users.

A CID advocate said the neighborhood appears empty compared with nearby districts. "When I look at the TV, I see that the waterfront is jampacked, Pioneer Square is jampacked. When I go over to Chinatown, it's just like dead," the advocate stated.

City statement and sales data The mayor's office said crime and disorder issues in the district have gone unaddressed for too long. The statement added that officials continue to work with the community to improve safety and vibrancy. A community activist and former city council member reported that many businesses have seen sales fall 10 to 20 percent compared with the same period last year.

The activist urged residents to walk to the stadium area on Monday to invite fans into the district. Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor for comment but received no response by publication time.