SEATTLE — A somber vigil unfolded in Rainier Beach as over 100 people gathered to honor the lives of two teenagers shot and killed at a bus stop on Friday afternoon, just blocks away from their school.
The event, marked by prayers and calls for change, drew a crowd largely comprised of teenagers and young people, many of whom were connected to the victims, believed to be students at nearby Rainier Beach High School.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | 2 killed in shooting at bus stop in Rainier Beach believed to be SPS students
Among those in attendance were the grieving mothers and family members of the victims, supported by local pastors who offered prayers to comfort the attendees.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans, City Councilmembers Eddie Lin and Dionne Foster, and Seattle Public Schools interim Superintendent Fred Podesta were also present, underscoring the community’s shared grief and determination to address the violence.
One of the mothers, who chose to remain unnamed, expressed her profound sorrow, saying, “It’s my only child, and he’s gone.” She revealed that her mother was also a victim of gun violence, intensifying the pain of her loss.
Reverend Lawrence Willis of the New Direction Missionary Baptist Church emphasized the need for compassion, urging, “We’ve got to continue to put our arms around all these young men that are here today.”
The vigil transitioned into calls for change, with community members voicing their frustration. “It has to stop!” one woman exclaimed, emphasizing the importance of valuing young lives.
Community advocate Victoria Beach called for the return of police presence in schools, suggesting that it could prevent future violence. “We have to do whatever it takes to take them safe, I don’t care what it is,” she said.
Seattle Public Schools, which removed police officers from campuses in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter protests, recently rejected a proposal for a school engagement officer at Garfield High School. In response to the recent tragedy, the district is collaborating with the Seattle Police Department to increase patrols in the area. A spokesperson stated, “Our hearts remain with the families and community members impacted by this tragic violence.”
As the community grapples with the loss, Seattle Public Schools is focusing on immediate safety measures and support for affected school communities. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, who begins his tenure on Sunday, Feb. 1, has prioritized strengthening safety measures across the district.
A district spokesperson provided the following statement:
Our hearts remain with the families and community members impacted by this tragic violence.
Our focus is on immediate safety measures and support for the school communities. Seattle Public Schools is working in close coordination with the Seattle Police Department and the City of Seattle to increase police presence and patrols in the area for the week ahead. At the same time, we continue to work closely with our communitybased organizations to support students, families, and staff during this difficult time. We are in lockstep with our public safety partners to support the ongoing investigation and to ensure visible, proactive safety measures.
We ask anyone who may have information that could assist investigators to contact the Seattle Police Department tip line at 2062335000. Tips may be made anonymously.
Sunday, February 1, Superintendent Ben Shuldiner begins his tenure as superintendent of Seattle Public Schools. He has been clear that strengthening safety measures across the district is a top priority, and that work begins now.
The district encourages anyone with information to contact the Seattle Police Department tip line at 206-233-5000, with the option to remain anonymous.
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