In recent months, there have been gun related homicides in our city that have garnered quite a bit of media attention. The multiple homicides at the Capitol Hill home and the shootings at the Jewish federation in downtown Seattle are incredibly tragic, but fortunately rare occurrences in our city.
What has not gotten as much media coverage are the incidents of gun related violence which occurred in the Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill areas. In the past few months, we've seen several drive-by shootings, face-to-face shootings and other firearm discharge incidents.
In some of these incidents, there were severe, life threatening injuries as well as property damage. In one instance a stray bullet went into the kitchen of a resident who was completely unrelated to the activity of the individuals involved in the shooting.
On top of that, we had July Fourth celebrations where some people still think it's okay to shoot a gun into the air to celebrate. I've personally witnessed a person firing several shots from a semiautomatic handgun out of his apartment window to celebrate the New Year. Two things about such actions: first, it is illegal to discharge a firearm within Seattle city limits; second, the laws of physics still apply. What goes up must come down. Celebratory gunfire still has the potential to damage, harm and kill.
Because of on-going investigations and to protect the rights and privacy of the victims and witnesses, we cannot provide more detailed information about the individual circumstances of the firearm related violence mentioned above. However, there are some things we can tell you:
In each gun violence case, all the people involved knew each other. The victims and survivors knew the shooters. While the reasons for why the shooters did what they did vary, they were not random acts against random people. In fact, almost all incidents of person-to-person violent crime, such as assault or homicide, involve parties who are known to each other and/or have some sort of relationship.
In a number of the incidents, neighbors heard the gunshots yet didn't report it to police. In one instance, officers responding to a shots-fired call arrived in the area within minutes. In the course of their investigation, officers spoke with several neighbors and asked if anyone heard or saw anything. A number of neighbors did say they heard the shots, but they didn't call it in.
When asked why they didn't report it, the neighbors' response was one of nonchalance. Folks, gunshots are a big deal, report them! Police cannot respond to an incident if you do not let them know there is an incident.
Wounded and misunderstood
There is a perception that when someone is shot, they either die or they fully recover. The reality is that for every one person who dies of gunshot trauma, five are injured and often suffer long-term, life altering conditions. Recovery from gunshot injuries can be long and painful. Some may suffer paralysis and be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. Some may have to be cared for by attendants because they can't feed themselves, or they may have to wear adult diapers because they no longer have bladder control.
Most gun owners are responsible. Police are concerned about those that use weapons - not just guns - to damage property or to intimidate, harm or kill someone else.
What can you do
* If you own a firearm, please secure it - unloaded - using a lock box or trigger lock. Firearms are often taken during residential burglaries. I know you don't want your gun stolen and used against someone else. I also know you don't want a young person to pick it up, play with it and unintentionally harm themselves or someone else, which, unfortunately, happens a lot.
* Educate the young people in your life about these basic rules when they come across a firearm: Stop; don't touch; leave the area; tell an adult.
* Think about the people, and those close to you, associate with. If you associate with people whose behaviors are questionable and are prone to violence and aggression, you might want to think about hanging out with a different crowd. Your safety and well being are more important than anything else. If your "friend" who brandishes a gun doesn't respect your feelings, then it's time to get some new friends. In the incidents I mentioned in the beginning, the individuals had a history of violence with, and against, each other.
Think about your own behavior and how you choose to resolve conflict. When tempers and emotions flare, are you going to settle an issue with force or with reason and dialog? Most people are not going to pick up a gun to settle an argument. However, easy access to a firearm can quickly and tragically alter the outcome of the argument.
* While most people will not use a firearm to resolve conflict, we may be exposed to environments where a firearm may be present. If someone introduces a gun into a situation, whether it's showing it off or threatening someone with it, you have a choice to make about whether or not to stay in that environment.
Again, your safety and well-being are more important than someone's hurt feelings.
* Engage with the young people in your life and teach them alternatives to resolving conflict. Be mindful of those with whom you associate, especially if their behaviors put you at risk.
* And if you hear gunfire and/or see something that is suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Until next time, take care and stay safe!
Mark Solomon is the Seattle Police Department's South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator. Contact him via editor@sdistrictjournal.com or Mark.Solomon@Seattle.Gov.[[In-content Ad]]
