Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) today released the following statement on Tuesday’s shooting near the Yesler Terrace Community Center which occurred after a press conference with key local stakeholders and elected officials. No injuries were reported, but bullets damaged the building.  

“Yesterday I was present when shots were fired near a press conference alongside Mayor Wilson, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning Dwane Chappelle, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, Seattle Colleges Chancellor Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, members of their teams, members of the education community, and several children who were at the playground area.

“First and foremost, it is heartbreaking and infuriating that this is not an isolated occurrence in this neighborhood, and other neighborhoods across Seattle. It was jarring to realize the local children identified the gunfire instantly.

“Fortunately, the Mayor was led away quickly and safely. At the same time, several of us helped shepherd folks into the Yesler Community Center, which was then locked down for about 40 minutes.

“This incident highlights one of the reasons I ran for office – my daughters were involved in a school shooting. Public safety is and continues to be my number one priority and it impacts all of us. Last year, I put funding in the 2026 budget for a Gun Violence Intervention Summit/Symposium and since January I have had ongoing conversations with a national leader in gun violence intervention efforts, David Kennedy. His organization, the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, has worked with many cities, including Baltimore and Philadelphia, to significantly reduce gun violence. My hope is that we can learn more about these strategies. In addition, I have been engaged with the Mayor’s Office to learn about their efforts. I know they also care about this issue. 

“We, as electeds, city and community leaders need to learn from other cities’ successes, be open-minded, listen to what has worked for other cities, and decide how we want to move forward. Our current public safety gains are fragile and we need to keep exploring proven strategies to address gun violence. 

“I hope this incident does not completely overshadow the announcement of successful investments funded by the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy.”

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