SEATTLE, Wash. – Community members and activists are demanding accountability and solutions following a double homicide earlier this week at Virgil Flaim Park in Lake City. On Friday, residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders gathered at the park to honor the victims and call for urgent action, particularly regarding safety around nearby homeless encampments.
The Shooting
On Monday, two men were shot and killed at Virgil Flaim Park. Police are still searching for the suspect, but no arrests have been made. The deadly incident has intensified long-standing concerns about crime and public safety in the area, especially in and around the park.
Gathering on Friday, about 20 community members and activists expressed frustration and grief. They said the tragedy was preventable and highlighted what they described as a lack of accountability from both city leaders and law enforcement.
Encampment Concerns
The shooting occurred near a growing homeless encampment, which many residents have identified as a source of safety concerns.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addressed the issue in an interview with FOX 13 Seattle, explaining that the city had cleared the encampment weeks before the shooting. He emphasized that city agencies are working with limited resources but remain committed to addressing public safety.
Still, for many residents, that explanation was not enough. Some said the lack of consistent oversight and enforcement continues to put the community at risk.
Nonprofit Launches ‘We Heart Lake City’
At Friday’s gathering, the nonprofit We Heart Seattle announced the launch of a new initiative: We Heart Lake City.
The program aims to place two full-time park ambassadors at Virgil Flaim Park. Their responsibilities would include:
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Cleaning the park and surrounding areas.
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Building trust with unhoused individuals.
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Connecting people to treatment and support services.
According to Andrea Suarez, founder of We Heart Seattle, the ambassador program would cost about $100,000 annually. The nonprofit is seeking public donations and community support to make it a reality.
“It’s time to put our foot down and restore our parks for equitable access for all,” Suarez said.
Community Voices
Several speakers at the event highlighted the urgency of both accountability and action.
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Richard Ridout, owner of Little Tiger Ice Cream, called for stronger enforcement mechanisms:
“They’re not taking names, they’re not trespassing people… once they trespass them and they come back again now they can arrest them. Maybe it’s just a catch and release, but that messes them up. It lets them know it’s not right to do what they’re doing.”
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Community activist Tim Gaydos underscored the fear residents feel:
“We can’t go to the park where this encampment moved to, because we don’t know if the person that killed those two people are in that park. So now we’re coming together as a community to say, ‘What can we do?’”
The message was consistent across speakers: residents want accountability, safer public spaces, and equitable access to parks without fear of violence.
Police Investigation
The Seattle Police Department is continuing to investigate the double homicide and is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. No suspect description has been released.
Community members say solving the crime is critical not only for justice but also to restore trust and safety in Lake City.
Conclusion
The tragedy at Virgil Flaim Park has galvanized residents and activists to demand more from city leaders while also taking grassroots action. Whether through nonprofit-led initiatives like We Heart Lake City or increased accountability from officials, the community is determined to reclaim public spaces and prevent future violence.
For now, Seattle residents are left mourning two lives lost while working together to ensure their parks remain places of safety, community, and inclusion.
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