Another shooting reported near Seattle’s ‘Jungle’

Another shooting near Seattle’s recently cleaned out “Jungle” has left one man in critical condition.

The Seattle Police Department reports the man was shot in the neck near South Royal Brougham Way and Airport Way South around 11 p.m. on Sunday. The shooting, according to the Associated Press, was at a new homeless camp.

Police believe the man was targeted. A suspect has not been located.

Seattle council member: Mayor is playing politics with homeless

The shooting on Sunday follows a police-involved shooting that occurred last week as officials were clearing out the greenbelt in South Seattle that has been home to hundreds of homeless people over the years. That shooting occurred at Airport Way and South Bayview Street, just south of Sunday’s shooting.

Despite efforts by the city and nonprofit workers to get those living without shelter into housing, the Associated Press reports that many former “Jungle” residents are simply moving to other camps in the area.

On Thursday, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced a series of new homeless initiatives, including opening four new city-authorized camps. He is dedicating $1.2 million for the camps. He is also adding $1 million to increase the number of safe locations for people who are living without shelter, as well as to pay to store their belongings when illegal encampments are cleared.

Murray also announced that, starting in November, the city will begin a syringe clean-up program that will operate seven days a week.

“I personally have gone back and forth over the past two years over what the right approach is (to homelessness),” Murray said. “It is one of those areas where I get complimented or bashed.”

In the meantime, a bill that would set standards and procedures for remedying unsafe conditions, such as homeless camps, while protecting the rights and property of homeless individuals continues to be debated throughout the city.

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