Associated Press
SEATTLE — Officials with the U.S. State Department have drilled out locks to access and inspect the former Russian consul general’s residence in Seattle, a day after Russian staff vacated the site.
President Donald Trump’s administration announced last month that the diplomatic outpost would be closed and 60 Russian diplomats would be expelled nationwide to punish Moscow for its alleged role in poisoning an ex-spy in Britain.
The Seattle Times reports that a locksmith hidden behind a blue tarp drilled out the lock on the front gate Wednesday, and that U.S. officials moved on to the residence’s front door and a basement door.
The Russian Embassy objected on Twitter, describing it as an invasion. The Russians own the building, while the U.S. owns the land it sits on.
The State Department said it conducted a walk-through of the residence to ensure the Russians had left.
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