‘Effective intervention requires deep engagement with the communities most impacted’

Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), who serves as chair of the Public Safety Committee, released the following statement on yesterday’s shooting at the Yesler Terrace Community Center. Shots were fired after a press conference occurred with Mayor Wilson in attendance. According to Seattle Police, no one was injured and witnesses stated that the suspects left the area in an unidentified vehicle.

“Once again, gun violence has impacted our city. While a comprehensive government approach is essential, this incident is a stark reminder that effective intervention requires deep engagement with the communities most impacted. We must remain focused on providing our neighborhoods with meaningful resources; shootings like these, especially where children are present, cannot become the norm.

“As a critical public safety issue, it’s important to have the governance and leadership pieces aligned. Two potential and important changes would be to move gun violence prevention, which is currently in the Human Services Department, under the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department. In addition, I believe we need executive leadership on this crucial issue, and others, by elevating and prioritizing the public safety portfolio with a Director of Public Safety in the Mayor’s Office.

“This all comes as the Public Safety Committee held an April 24 hearing on gun violence, a key pillar of our strategic framework for a safer Seattle. We’ll continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to create a path for lasting change. As a City Council, we’ve made significant, hard-fought progress over the last two and a half years — sliding back now is not an option.”

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