SEATTLE — Just one day after an attempted robbery escalated into a shooting in the heart of Belltown, residents and business owners say they are increasingly frustrated with crime in their neighborhood, which has seen a sharp rise in violence this year.
Crime on the Rise
According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), Belltown has experienced a 42 percent increase in shootings in 2025 compared to the previous year. When considering all recorded offenses, overall crime is up 32 percent.
SPD data ranks Belltown as the eighth most violent neighborhood in Seattle and 10th in calls for shots fired.
Friday Night Shooting
The most recent incident unfolded around 6:50 p.m. Friday near the intersection of First Avenue and Blanchard Street. Police say a 24-year-old man was approached by a suspect who pointed a gun at his rib cage in an attempted robbery.
The suspect fired a shot, striking the victim in the hand. The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and officers are continuing to search for the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call (206) 233-5000.
Frustration Among Residents and Businesses
For many in the neighborhood, the shooting is just another example of worsening conditions.
“There’s a great sense of community, but there are definitely people doing their own thing,” said Danny Del Fiero, a bartender who works nearby. “There’s been a decline in businesses on 2nd Avenue; they’re closing down.”
Other residents say the lack of a visible police presence has fueled concerns.
“I really miss a strong police presence. I’m frustrated,” said Greg, a Belltown resident who declined to give his last name. “Our neighborhood grocery store is busted into every week. It seems like the city doesn’t care about small business owners.”
A Pattern of Violence
Friday’s shooting is only the latest in a string of violent incidents in Belltown.
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May 18: A man was stabbed after refusing to give up his food.
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May 20: Police arrested a man accused of smashing dozens of windows in the neighborhood.
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May 30: A suspected drug dealer was shot by a Seattle police officer.
These incidents have added to the sense of unease for both longtime residents and newcomers.
Drugs and Public Safety
Some community members point to drug activity as a driving force behind the neighborhood’s struggles.
Dennis Le Clech, a recovering drug addict who lives in Belltown, believes the root of the problem lies in widespread substance abuse and dealing.
“The solution is getting outreach workers out here, as many as possible,” Le Clech said.
He emphasized that investing in treatment, outreach, and prevention could be more effective than simply increasing police patrols.
Searching for Solutions
While opinions differ on the best path forward, residents agree that Belltown’s problems demand urgent attention. The neighborhood, once known for its vibrant nightlife and close-knit community, is now grappling with violence that threatens both safety and quality of life.
For now, the latest shooting remains under investigation, but for many who call Belltown home, the frustration is already boiling over.
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