Seattle, WA – On Saturday morning, Councilmember Tammy J. Morales (District 2, Chinatown / International District and South Seattle) issued the following statement regarding the shooting at Rainier Beach Safeway last night: 

“Last night, South end community leaders were hosting a beautiful community healing space in the Rainier Beach Safeway parking lot when dozens of shots were fired toward them. These young people, out of love for their neighborhood and community, were holding space with free food and music. This senseless shooting should have never happened. 

“I drove to Harborview last night in complete shock.  This tragedy has left us all in a devastated space. 

“I am in conversation with Mayor Harrell, the Police Department, and the community leaders of our violence prevention networks in Rainier Beach as we respond to this horrific night. 

“I commend the swift action of our medical first responders, police officers, and our community leaders for being on the ground to support the families, and their dedication to healing our wounded communities. 

“This afternoon, I am joining other elected leaders and young people from Rainier Beach Action Coalition for a community gathering on Shifting The Narrative. In the coming days, our office will be in collaborative conversation with all parties to work toward comprehensive and evidence-based solutions that will prevent such tragedies from recurring, while addressing the significant need for mental health resources to address the trauma of this event. “Let us unite to build a community where we resolve issues in a restorative way and in service to one another. May we find solace in each other’s embrace and strive towards a future without gun violence.”

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