Mayor Wilson’s Statement on Recent Belltown Violence
“What happened in Belltown this weekend is tragic and unacceptable. Three young people lost their lives, three others were seriously hurt, and countless neighbors were shaken awake by gunshots, street racing, sirens, or another painful headline in the paper. As your Mayor, as a mom, and simply a community member I take this incredibly seriously. We acknowledge the pain and stand with the grief and anger of survivors, victims, and everyone impacted.
Seattle is not unique in facing too much gun violence. Cities across America are suffering, and losing their loved ones and neighbors, to preventable gun violence. That’s why we’re working with our peer cities and the nation’s leading experts to lean into what makes a difference. The data shows us what works – community violence interruption and focused deterrence, investing in public safety as well as public health, and building a resilient economy with good jobs and shared prosperity.
We are making progress, step by step. While any violence is too much violence, it is important to understand that SPD data show shootings and homicides at their lowest in a decade. I, like everyone in Seattle, want to see that progress happen faster and steadier. That’s why we can’t let up in doing the focused, deep work. Next week, I’ll be announcing a comprehensive, focused gun violence prevention strategy to do exactly that — and in the following weeks the public will see my proposed budget that invests in those very things.
Right now, Interim Chief Sayles and Seattle police officers are working diligently to hold those harming others to account and increasing presence in high-crime locations. My office will be announcing additional staffing to support our gun violence prevention work, and pushing our state legislature to pass policies that keep guns off our streets. Progress will require tightly coordinated work across our city departments and with county, state, and community partners, and I’m committed to getting it done.”
Statement Interim Chief Andre Sayles
“We will stand together with our community to bring justice to these victims and their loved ones. The Seattle Police Department is working around the clock to investigate these incidents. We will work tirelessly with our partners to find lasting solutions.”
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