SEATTLE – Residents of central Seattle gathered at the Garfield Community Center for a nighttime community safety forum, sharing concerns about violent crime and urging city leaders to do more to protect neighborhoods. The meeting was one of seven forums being held across Seattle to hear directly from the public about safety issues.
Residents Say Crime Still Feels High
Many attendees said they do not feel safe in their own neighborhoods.
“We’ve had murders, we’ve had shootings, we have assaults,” said Liz Smith, a longtime resident. “I’ve been here for 17 years, and I used to be safe in my neighborhood, and I’m not safe anymore. The crime has gone crazy.”
Another resident, Kamia Crudup, said she avoids walking alone out of concern for her safety.
“Walking alone, no, because you never know what’s going to happen. Gun violence and stuff like that.”
Police and City Agencies Respond
The event brought together Seattle Police, Fire & Rescue, and other city agencies that respond to crime and crises. Officials took questions, explained safety initiatives, and discussed strategies to prevent violence.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes emphasized the importance of early intervention in disputes.
“Violent crime in this city, there is usually something that precipitates that. Some type of disagreement, some type of discussion, some type of fight. We have to be better at interrupting that before it turns to gun violence,” Barnes said.
City Says Crime is Down — Residents Disagree
City officials pointed to statistics showing a decline in reported crime. However, they acknowledged that the data only reflects incidents formally reported to authorities.
Some residents pushed back, saying their lived experiences don’t match the numbers.
“I’d also like to see our prosecutors do their job and charge people with the crimes that are listed on the books,” Smith added, calling for greater accountability in the justice system.
Balancing Data and Perception
While Washington state data shows overall violent crime rates have declined, the state has seen a 31% rise in drug and gun offenses. Residents at the forum say the visible nature of these crimes — combined with high-profile incidents — makes them feel unsafe despite official statistics.
The forums will continue in other neighborhoods in the coming weeks, with city leaders promising to incorporate resident feedback into future safety plans.
For many in attendance, the hope is that these conversations lead to concrete action — and a return to a time when walking down the street at night in Seattle didn’t feel like a risk.
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