On Monday, Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes addressed the community following a string of three homicides over four days, urging residents to work with law enforcement to curb gun violence and share information that could help prevent future incidents.
“These tragedies represent not only lives lost but also the loss of human potential, leaving rippling effects far beyond the victims themselves,” Barnes said. “I see the impact in grieving families, in the exhausted eyes of officers collecting evidence, and in neighbors standing behind the crime scene tape, anxious to know what happened in their community.”
The first homicide occurred Thursday evening in front of a place of worship in what investigators believe was a targeted attack. Barnes said at least 20 people were present when the shooting happened.
Two more shootings followed early Sunday. The first was connected to what Barnes called an “unauthorized and unregulated gathering” resembling a rave.
“People have a right to gather,” he said. “But we need to ensure it’s done safely, so everyone goes home the same way they came.”
Shortly afterward, a man was found dead in a parking lot in a case still under investigation, possibly linked to a vehicle collision or altercation.
“My purpose as your chief of police is to reassure the public that we are committed to preventing further incidents of gun violence,” Barnes said. “Achieving this goal requires collaboration between the criminal justice system and the community. We cannot do our jobs alone.”
SPD detectives and analysts are reviewing surveillance footage, examining digital evidence, and working long hours to track suspects and piece together what led to each killing. Barnes said federal authorities recently took over a separate gun case due to the suspect’s history, illustrating SPD’s coordination with federal agencies.
“We hold twice-weekly ‘gun screening’ meetings with prosecutors, city officials, and federal partners to review shootings and direct resources,” he said. “Our commanders also meet daily to deploy officers to priority areas based on crime data.”
Barnes urged residents to report early warning signs of potential violence.
“We need people to call early and often,” he said. “Early intervention is critical to prevention. We can’t be everywhere at once, but together we can stop violence before it happens.”
Despite the violent weekend, Barnes said it should not be seen as a reversal of progress.
“One weekend does not make the entire year,” he said. “We stick to our plan, refine it daily, and focus on proven strategies that keep Seattle safe.”
SPD is asking anyone with information about the recent shootings to call its Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
“Preventing gun violence takes all of us—police, prosecutors, city leaders, and the community,” Barnes said. “Together, we can ensure justice for victims and maintain the safety and security of our city.”
