City leaders’ call to action to stop gun violence in Seattle

A spike in murder and gun violence in Seattle has sparked a community call to action. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn gathered with other city, police, and community leaders at the Rainier View Boys and Girls Club to ask for help in stemming the violence.

McGinn says there are a few patterns to the nine killings and multiple non-fatal shootings in the city since the first of the year. “Young men, often times black men or from the minority community, sometimes it was a situation where disrespect had been shown from one person to another, which then led to gunfire and death, in other cases these were linked to the drug trade,” said McGinn.

Police previously announced they are stepping up patrols in trouble spots throughout the city. “And to those who are determined to hurt others in the form of violence, you need to hear this: We will come after you,” said Assistant Police Chief Nick Metz.

Pastor Lawrence Willis of the United Black Clergy said neighbors must do whatever it can to stop the violence. “We have a community that feels unsafe,” he said.

Outreach worker Jacqui Holliday says the community needs more leaders, more mentors and more help. “Get involved in your community, find out what you can do. Do what’s comfortable to do – but do something, just do something,” said Holliday.

Community activist Harriet Walden said it’s time to end the silence of black-on-black crime. “Our youth have adopted a culture of death and it is our responsibility to help them see that a culture of life is available.”

City councilmember Bruce Harrell echoed that sentiment, saying he doesn’t understand what he calls a “no snitch” code in the community. “It makes no sense to me,” said Harrell, who said police need help solving some of the most recent murders. “So I need you to have that conversation because when given leads, when given investigative tips, when given intel, let them do their job,” he said.

Police say they are stepping up patrols in the city’s five precincts.