A European family visiting Seattle has gone public with concerns over safety and public disorder in the city, saying they have “never felt so unsafe” during their travels in the United States.
The report, shared anonymously on Reddit, comes as Seattle continues to struggle with a growing homeless population and a surge in violent crime.
The family, who recently stayed at a hotel in downtown Seattle, described their experience as unsettling and dangerous.
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According to their post, the city’s streets were filled with “junkies” and aggressive behavior.
“The number of junkies in the street is insane, they are screaming and catcalling you,” the visitor wrote.
“There are more homeless than tourists.”
The situation escalated shortly after their arrival when, while searching for a restaurant near their hotel, the family encountered a man speaking on a cellphone and walking erratically with what was described as a “huge hunting knife.”
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The poster expressed immediate concern, writing, “Wtfff?? Definitely coming back with an Uber to the hotel.”
As an european, never felt so unsafe that in Seattle downtown
byu/hairlineofGod inSeattleWA
Providing context to their unease, the user noted that they had visited multiple cities along the East Coast of the United States and had never previously experienced such a lack of safety.
“For the perspective, I went to many US cities on the East Coast and this is the first time I have ever felt so unsafe,” they said.
Commenters on the Reddit thread shared their own views on the state of Seattle’s downtown area.
“Seattle has tons of great neighborhoods, but not there,” one commenter replied.
Another remarked, “As soon as they said downtown Seattle, I was like oh no, you done f**ked up.”
A third noted, “Plenty of people walk around downtown. They just carry big knives, mentally unstable or stoned beyond belief.”
Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development shows that King County, which encompasses Seattle, now has an estimated 16,000 homeless individuals—its highest number on record.
In 2022, the count was 13,300, indicating a 23 percent increase in just two years.
Seattle has also recorded 2,387 violent crime incidents so far in 2025, including 671 robberies, 1,527 aggravated assaults, and 173 rapes.
Public drug use remains a visible and persistent issue in many areas, especially after the Seattle City Council voted in August 2023 against legislation that would have allowed the City Attorney’s Office to prosecute cases of public drug use.
The vote led to visible consequences, with reports and images showing individuals openly using drugs on city streets and sidewalks.
Officials have also faced criticism for focusing on long-term redevelopment projects while the immediate crisis worsens.
One of the city’s most high-profile investments is the $806 million Waterfront Seattle Program, launched in 2010 to reconnect the urban core to Puget Sound.
A new element of that project—the Joshua S. Green Sr. Fountain—recently opened near Columbia Street.
But it has already drawn attention for unintended use.
Earlier this month, the fountain was seen being used as a makeshift bath by homeless individuals.
NEW: Seattle spent more than $800 million on its waterfront revitalization project.
Mayor Bruce Harrell(@MayorofSeattle) said it would create a vibrant, accessible, and engaging public space.
Today, new water fountains are being used as bubble baths for homeless drug addicts. pic.twitter.com/c8S8OEsfrQ— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) July 1, 2025
Despite major investments into infrastructure and public art as part of the waterfront redevelopment, the broader issue of homelessness remains unresolved.
Critics argue that the city’s leadership has prioritized image over substance, pointing to deteriorating conditions and growing public concern.
Seattle officials have not yet responded publicly to the viral Reddit post, but the story has added to ongoing national attention surrounding crime, public safety, and homelessness in West Coast cities.
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