West Seattle Crime Watch: Hate-crime vandalism in Genesee

Police are investigating a case of malicious harassment – the official term for hate crime – and vandalism reported in the Genesee Hill area. We just received this report from one of the targets:

My partner and I live in the 4400 block of 50th Ave SW. After midnight on Friday night, we woke up after hearing a noise from the street. We didn’t know what it was, as our first thoughts were, a sprinkler trying to go off or something involving our cat. My partner opened the front door and turned on the porch lights but didn’t see anything odd.

10 minutes later, that same noise again happened, and I quickly moved the drapes to get a better look. I did see shadows running South on 50th Ave but didn’t see any faces. I walked down to our cars and noticed that both had rocks thrown in our windows. (my partner’s back window and my front driver’s side). His car was in our driveway and my car was along the street, directly in front of our home.

I came back to the house and called 911. Within a few minutes of the call, the Seattle Police department arrived. Officer N. Nguyen and his partner were the first to arrive. We then noticed that all 4 tires of each vehicle had been slashed. When one of the officers found the rock in my partner’s car, it was surrounded by a typed hate note. It read as follows…

God Hates F*gs!
Get the f**k out of our neighborhood.
The bible says God forbids men committing indecent act with other men.
Pack up your sh*t and get you gay sh*t out.
– KKK

Upon notice of this note, both the Sergeant and Lieutenant were notified and arrived on the scene. Another police officer arrived to take pictures and gather the evidence of the rocks and note. One of the police officers told us that they take these crimes “very seriously” and we were thankful for their presence that evening.

We’re checking to see if police have any leads. If you have tips – call 911.

7 PM UPDATE: Chris (who sent the report and says we can use his first name) says, “After speaking with my neighbors, one was outside around midnight last night. He did witness 2 while males walking up the alley behind our house. He did ask both if they were all right and they responded that everything was fine. He thought it was odd that people were walking the alley that late at night. He didn’t get a good look at their face as the alley doesn’t have much lighting. First was described as around 5’10’ish with a stocky, muscular build. The other was around 5’7″ with a chubby build. Both were wearing black.” Also note, we have corrected the block number from Chris’s original report, after comparing with the police-call map and checking with him.

123 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch: Hate-crime vandalism in Genesee"

  • 35this35mph September 24, 2011 (3:01 pm)

    Disgusting. I am so sorry and so angry.

  • k September 24, 2011 (3:20 pm)

    What jerks!
    I can’t wait for Karma to run over them with a bus or something.

  • Chris September 24, 2011 (3:25 pm)

    This sounds like some very ignorant kids. My husband and I and our children welcome you to our neighborhood and we support you.

  • Katamari September 24, 2011 (3:33 pm)

    But their god loves cowardly punks, bullies and vandals??? Hhhmmm… interesting god to follow.

  • Kat in HighPoint September 24, 2011 (3:34 pm)

    @35this35, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Here’s to hoping love will win over hate…

  • S September 24, 2011 (3:35 pm)

    I am sorry this happened to you. Its disgusting that people can have so much hate in their being for people. Your relationship in NO WAY even affects them… It doesn’t raise their taxes, it doesn’t interfear with their beliefs.. it doesn’t change ANYTHING in their lives… Its sad and disgraceful. I am not a Christian… I don’t go to church at all.. but I was raised as one. And was always taught that only God can judge… who the hell are these people that go around JUDGING others… I am a Pagan and I believe in the Law of 3… What ever you put out… good or bad will come back to you three fold… Karma will get them in the end 3 times worse than what they did… Karma is a B*%ch and I hope it is served to them swiftly… My appolgies for you having to deal with these disrespectful Jerks. I hope they are caught and punished!!

  • Roger September 24, 2011 (3:36 pm)

    A sad and cowardly act. Sounds like some religious parents need to be teaching tolerance.

  • E September 24, 2011 (3:37 pm)

    Idiots plain and simple, take care and good luck

  • Bonnie September 24, 2011 (3:37 pm)

    That is horrible. I’m so sorry that happened to you.

  • heather September 24, 2011 (3:45 pm)

    Completely unacceptable. You are both valued members of our WSea community. I am sorry that your personal property and sense of security were violated.

  • Kathleen September 24, 2011 (3:47 pm)

    We live in your neighborhood, and it’s so scary to think of this kind of ignorance and hate existing right down the street. I am so sad that this happened to you. :( I’m glad the police are taking this seriously and I hope they catch them soon.

  • Todd_ September 24, 2011 (3:50 pm)

    You are welcome in WS. Sorry to hear about this disgusting experience.

  • Lisa September 24, 2011 (3:50 pm)

    Appalling. I am so terribly sorry to hear about this.

  • Y September 24, 2011 (3:53 pm)

    This is incredibly disgusting and I am so sorry this happened to you.

  • Angela September 24, 2011 (3:56 pm)

    I am so sorry this happened. Such a deplorable thing to do and for absolutely no reason. I have lived in the same area of West Seattle my entire life and it saddens me to think of this happening. It actually makes me feel sick to my stomach. It is good to know that the police response time was quick and I hope they take this very seriously.

  • Dani September 24, 2011 (3:56 pm)

    I am so sorry, I too am thoroughly disgusted! Cowards, ignorant cowards!!

  • Katie September 24, 2011 (4:01 pm)

    How scary and horrible. I’m sorry this happened to you. I always like to believe that West Seattle is so open, warm & accepting…but some residents can be hateful and ignorant.

    I’m glad to hear SPD took the incident seriously. I hope those idiots stay away.

  • Westgirl September 24, 2011 (4:03 pm)

    Wow..so sad and hurtful. I’m sorry for this horrible act against you :(

  • Rob September 24, 2011 (4:06 pm)

    I hesitate to consider something like this just kids or punks randomly pranking someone. A note like that is specific and targeted, and should be taken as a serious threat. I hope they catch them befire someone gets hurt. My partner and I live in West Seattle, south of where this happened, and have seen some hate grafitti around the area some months back. We should all- gay and gay allies- be vigilant about making this kind of activity compeltely unacceptable.

  • lg September 24, 2011 (4:09 pm)

    I’m sorry, neighbors.

  • datamuse September 24, 2011 (4:11 pm)

    How awful! I’m so sorry to hear this happened to you.

  • Sue September 24, 2011 (4:12 pm)

    I’m so sorry … in addition to the inconvenience, it must be terribly frightening. And people wonder why we need a place like OutWest in West Seattle.

  • JayDee September 24, 2011 (4:21 pm)

    Does anyone in your ‘hood have security cameras? I live 4-5 blocks away and we have a pretty active block watch. If you have one it might help in the future. This does suck and I hope the cowards get caught.

  • Tyler September 24, 2011 (4:28 pm)

    Repulsive, Im right around the corner and the whole family has your backs. Head up!

  • onceachef September 24, 2011 (4:30 pm)

    Idiotic…cowards hiding behind “God” again…sorry to hear this happened to you (and all the others it happens to daily).

  • CandrewB September 24, 2011 (4:35 pm)

    Doubt it was kids. Kids most likely would not have typed out a note, written that specific language, and also would have ran in the first instance. This sounds like a lone, j/o middle-aged neighbor.

  • Smitty September 24, 2011 (4:44 pm)

    Ignorant cowards.

  • AJP September 24, 2011 (4:45 pm)

    Absolutely awful. I am a Christian, and the God I believe in and worship does not hate any of His children. You are just as precious to Him as I am. Peace.

  • jd September 24, 2011 (4:49 pm)

    I am so very sorry that you two had to experience this despicable and horrendous act. Remember for every person that is; mean spirited, judgmental, and spends their energy hurting other people … THERE ARE … very kind, empathetic, generous, and accepting people. As a community, I believe we need to make our voices heard … we will NOT tolerate people hurting other people with words or actions. Thank you for sharing your story with us. These people WILL be caught.

  • leslie September 24, 2011 (4:50 pm)

    This is reprehensible and beneath contempt. Now I’m worried for my gay friends and neighbors in West Seattle..:-(

  • Kathy September 24, 2011 (5:00 pm)

    The response to your story is the real voice of West Seattle. I hope you have heard that message loud and clear!

  • thistle stair September 24, 2011 (5:13 pm)

    They wanted you to be filled with fear and hate…you should do the exact opposite.You should have a party! Invite friends,neighbors and well wishers to celebrate community.

  • Mike September 24, 2011 (5:16 pm)

    Sorry to hear about this incident. Hopefully the police catch them soon. If I come across these individuals that vandalized and tried to put fear in some of my neighbors, I might be inclined to scare them into a hospital ER.

  • Neighbor September 24, 2011 (5:18 pm)

    We support you! My loving family and I are proud to have you in our community!
    We will not let bigots and hateful people scare our fellow WS members. We stand with you and for you!

    SPD needs to find these little fascists pseudo christians.

  • Laconique September 24, 2011 (5:18 pm)

    So so sorry and angry that this happened to you.

  • genhill1 September 24, 2011 (5:21 pm)

    I would love to see every neighbor in the area voluntarily hang a rainbow flag in their window, to show solidarity…like, you attack one of us, you’ll have to attack all of us.

  • bestbets September 24, 2011 (5:21 pm)

    Horrible and unacceptable and I hope they catch the perps.

  • A September 24, 2011 (5:27 pm)

    I’m up on 54th, and I LOVE that you live in my neighborhood. I’m glad you reported the crime. We’ll keep an eye out!

  • casey September 24, 2011 (5:57 pm)

    Wow, cannot believe we have people like this in the neighborhood, it’s very sad! I am so sorry for you both having to go thru this. Out of curiosity did they find the rocks around the house or did they also come prepared with those as well? I hope that SPD/neighbors do everything in their power to find these punks!!

  • waman September 24, 2011 (5:57 pm)

    cowards that hide behind hate – get these kids some work detail picking up trash along the freeway & then some time to think about it in a cell.

  • K-witty September 24, 2011 (6:21 pm)

    I’m so sorry that this happened to your family in our neighborhood. Please don’t let this disgusting ignorant incident take away your sense of community or safety. My thoughts are with you.

  • Halyn September 24, 2011 (6:22 pm)

    I am so sorry. I hope they are caught and brought to justice quickly. I don’t know what to say, I’m so disgusted by this.

  • alkiguy September 24, 2011 (6:27 pm)

    I am sorry… As a gay neighbor of yours, I can only imagine how violated you feel… The violence in the name of god is what is abhorrent. I love the idea of all of us flying gay pride symbols/flags from our homes… Just an idea….

  • JN September 24, 2011 (6:30 pm)

    This is terrible. They must have been some real lowlife scum to do something like this. I live on 50th as well, and I’ll be on the lookout for any suspicious types.

  • K. September 24, 2011 (6:35 pm)

    We live a few blocks away from you and are stunned and saddened this happened to you. I hope you know you have heartfelt neighborhood support all around you.

  • sven September 24, 2011 (6:47 pm)

    I just moved down the street from you, and I’m disturbed this is happening in such a nice, sleepy neighborhood!

    Whoever did this will hopefully get their own form of a righteous comeuppance!

  • bridge to somewhere September 24, 2011 (6:48 pm)

    I’m sorry, and I hope when they catch these cretins they publish their names so the whole of the community knows them.

  • GenHillOne September 24, 2011 (6:54 pm)

    Disgusting. We’re also a few blocks away and I’m embarrassed by these idiots. If you were my neighbor, hell yes, I’d throw a block party; if for no other reason than to support you and show solidarity in the face of stupidity. I hope you take these comments to heart and don’t let the a$$hats get you down.

  • Jim P. September 24, 2011 (6:56 pm)

    Truly disgusting. One notes they ran away the instant they were discovered, cowards and bullies afraid of their own shadows when push comes to shove.

    I hope they are caught and rather hope they resist to the point that something gets broken.

    I have no tolerance for animals like this. They resigned from the human race some while back it seems.

    Straight or gay, we’re people. We live and love and just want to have a peaceful life. Apparently someone out there just can’t stand that.

  • Brian September 24, 2011 (7:03 pm)

    We drive out hatred with love and vigilance. Your family is loved and an integral part of our community.

  • Aman September 24, 2011 (7:04 pm)

    Ignorant mean-spirited people are everywhere. What a bunch of narrow-minded individuals who did this to you & your property. Don’t let this shake your confidence in West Seattle. I’m hopeful the “long-arm of the law” will catch the perps.

  • shed22 September 24, 2011 (7:06 pm)

    Hate WILL NOT be tolerated. These thugs need to re-read their “bible”. Love thy neighbor.

  • Andrew September 24, 2011 (7:08 pm)

    So sorry this happened to you. My soon to be husband and I live in Admiral right in between the middle & high school. Our car has the “family of stick people” stickers on our back window- two guys, and our dogs & cat. Been wondering if that may not have been such a good idea.

  • cakeordeath September 24, 2011 (7:22 pm)

    SO SO sorry. I hope it’s extremely obvious that that is not the norm. I actually moved over to WS because there are all kinds of people here, including gay people. I am so sorry. How scary and ridiculous. I hope your immediate neighbors will band together and keep a very vigilant and supportive eye out.

    Andrew, it makes me sad to think you won’t keep your stickers as is. Please don’t let the jerks have their way!

  • poc September 24, 2011 (7:46 pm)

    I’m very impressed with the comments from my fellow West-Seattleites. Thank you for being so supportive of our diverse community.

  • TDe September 24, 2011 (7:48 pm)

    Wow. I live just a few blocks from you and am shocked to hear about this hate crime. I’ve never heard of such a thing happening in all the years I’ve lived here. You and your partner are an integral part of our community and we are proud to call you neighbors. If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know. I hope they catch these creeps.

  • Laura September 24, 2011 (7:52 pm)

    I am so sorry this happened to you. It is just not right! I don’t understand where anyone thinks that would be okay behavior. Sending kind thoughts your way.
    Andrew, I hope you keep your family stickers. Your family is precious and should be celebrated.

  • tlp September 24, 2011 (8:03 pm)

    I think people in this neighborhood need to get together and coordinate a block watch, pronto. If these people (they said two white males were seen, of course that might not be them, but…) are brazen enough to do this hateful act, what else might they be capable of? Security cameras, block watch, etc. Apologies are surely heartfelt, but only action and real proactive support can prevent future acts. Don’t sit back and wait for it to happen again, or happen to someone else. Please.

  • EmmyJane September 24, 2011 (8:12 pm)

    We’re 4 blocks from you and so happy to have you as our neighbors. I am sorry there are people in this world that are ignorant and hateful but there are more of us than them!!

  • Traci September 24, 2011 (8:13 pm)

    The overwhelming response of community support shown on this thread is one of the big reasons why I’m proud to call West Seattle home. I’m so, so sorry that this happened at your home – I imagine you must feel incredibly violated. I’m sending you lots of love and encouragement!

  • Irukandji September 24, 2011 (8:33 pm)

    I’m so glad the police response was prompt and thorough. It would be great to have them found and arrested so we could all get a good look at these ‘God-fearing’ perps. Love to you as you deal with crime and insurance.

  • ikahana September 24, 2011 (8:33 pm)

    I’m livid. This is bullcrap. There is no place for this kind of adolescent bullying hate and bigotry in West Seattle. West Seattle is where all kinds of people – individuals and families – come to live side by side and create a community and a vibrant but peaceful extended neighborhood. There is ZERO room for this. It needs to end NOW with this hateful, threatening act.

    Gentlemen, I’m so sorry that this happened to you. So sorry. We are all behind you now. All behind one another – we’ve got each other’s back! No hate in West Seattle. There just isn’t the room or place for it.

  • anna September 24, 2011 (8:34 pm)

    That is unbelievably disgusting. I can’t fathom that we have that kind of hate and intolerance here in our community. I hope they find the offenders and punish them to the full extent of the law.

  • TA September 24, 2011 (8:36 pm)

    What gall those thugs have to think they represent the rest of us! Hope they are aware of the outpouring of support evinced here.

  • Doris Nelson September 24, 2011 (8:50 pm)

    Why is the color of the person not mentioned. I”m not trying to take away from the hate crime issue. But usually when something like this happens and if the person was anything but white, that would be pointed out. I hope that the selfish hateful idiots are caught and are used to set an example once and for all!

  • marlene September 24, 2011 (9:40 pm)

    How great that these thugs feel they are saving the world, but perhaps they need to start with themselves, and not with good citizens just minding their own business. I’m embarrassed to have them living in West Seattle and am so sorry for what you are going through. Just know that we are all on your side.

  • HH September 24, 2011 (9:54 pm)

    Sending love your way to counter the hate.

  • DM September 24, 2011 (9:54 pm)

    I’m so sorry this happened to you. I hope the supportive heart felt responses on this thread can help relieve some of the anxiety and vulnerability you are experiencing. Please know that your supportive neighbors, through out West Seattle, far out number the ignorant thugs.

  • Nancy September 24, 2011 (10:07 pm)

    It’s unfortunate that our national politicians are so afraid to take a stand against bullying and bigotry. You would expect potential leaders to reinforce the Christian ideals they espouse.
    Whoever did this needs to re-read the Bible, assuming they know how to read.

  • kim September 24, 2011 (10:13 pm)

    We are incensed: how can this be? here? our neighborhood? 2011? We are so sorry and are with you in spirit and love.

  • kate September 24, 2011 (10:26 pm)

    What’s up the “KKK” signature? I hate thinking about the fact that we might have members of that crew lurking around here. We live in a very enlightened and evolved part of the world so it’s shocking for me to realize that such a backwater ignorant group could leave their greasy stain in our neighborhood. I’m sorry that this has happened to members of our community. My heart goes out to you guys and anybody else that comes into contact with acts of hatred that are bred by fear.

  • Craig September 24, 2011 (10:59 pm)

    I am sorry that happened to you. I would like to say I am surprised, but that would be a lie. Having moved to 48th and Genesee when I was at Madison, I was tormented by the kids in the neighborhood for being Gay. Myriad travesties at that location. Our yard was vandalized, my dog was killed, I was beaten, had soda thrown on me, was verbally assaulted and this was by people I knew. Hell, some of them were my own relatives. Things did not get any better when I moved on to West Seattle High either. No one did anything about it back in the 70s. I was told to toughen up, not let them get to me, and just ignore them. It sounds like things haven’t changed much. Hate to say it, but I would move if I were you. I was you and I moved. I have nothing good to say about that neighborhood and do not attend my class reunions. Try moving to Wallingford or Fremont…

  • spaceagepolymer September 24, 2011 (11:06 pm)

    Jezus is so proud of his honky crackers.

  • Guidosmom September 24, 2011 (11:33 pm)

    Absolutely horrible! I am SO sorry this happened. You are definitely welcomed in West Seattle and we will show our support in any way possible.

  • Lee Haworth September 25, 2011 (1:28 am)

    What would Jesus do: “Recall his defective creations!” I am so sorry this happened to you. Lets stick together and not let these cowardly men change our life for the worse. Sounds to me like they planned this dastardly crime and they probably live in the neighborhood or were “hired” by someone in the neighborhood.

  • Jay September 25, 2011 (1:50 am)

    If I were not leaving town tomorrow for the next 2 weeks, I would try to organize a “not in our town” vigil to watch the victims’ house around the clock, letting these scum bags know we won’t accept their evil behavior in our neighborhood.

  • JoB September 25, 2011 (9:01 am)

    thugs are thugs…
    their behavior is never excusable…
    not even when they hide behind the banner of presumed righteousness.
    .
    there is nothing righteous about a thug.

  • McGruff September 25, 2011 (9:02 am)

    likley kids being morons on some childish dare. Sad that they have no idea that their immature actions may hurt real people. THis is disgusting and really speaks volumes to the lack of parenting that they received. Perhaps it is time I teach them a little lesson in manners. I plan to take a bite out of this crime. [CRUNCH!]

  • shfy 1 September 25, 2011 (10:24 am)

    i really like the idea of a party. what better way for the block and community to gather, reaffirm connections, show solidarity, and bring love to a place those two men thought they could bring fear and hate. this world is filled with loving supportive amazing, friendly, accepting people…we just don’t get OUR voices heard as much as the small percentage of people behaving from a place of hate and fear. so maybe we should “Shout Out” more and remind the world that: LOVE IS STILL IN THE MAJORITY.
    namaste :)

  • sam-c September 25, 2011 (10:27 am)

    disgusting that people could act like this and claim that they are acting as Christians- makes me very angry, so sorry this happened to you.

  • Julia September 25, 2011 (10:49 am)

    Please let us, your community, know if this harassment continues. We will step up to protect you, I promise.

  • nick September 25, 2011 (11:13 am)

    What a bunch of scumbags you are welcome anywhere its those racist homophobes that need to leave

  • R September 25, 2011 (11:18 am)

    Oh the irony of quoting the bible… what dolts. This is ridiculous. I hope they find out who did this.

  • Rob September 25, 2011 (11:48 am)

    Chris, if you end up doing a mass flag-hanging or block party in response/as solidarity to this, I would love to support/be involved, even though we are down in Morgan Junction. Just let us know and I’ll send on my email contact info!

  • a Christian who doesn\'t hate September 25, 2011 (11:56 am)

    As AJP said, I am also a Christian, and the God I believe in and worship does not hate any of His children. You are just as precious to Him as any of us. Please know the majority of your West Seattle neighbors are not like them. What those cowardly bigots did was criminal and inexcusable.

  • Mitch September 25, 2011 (12:06 pm)

    Yeah, I’ll bet God’s patting himself on the old back this morning for creating a couple of fine specimens like these two.

  • Ryan September 25, 2011 (2:51 pm)

    This is sickening that it’s happening to our own kind. God does look down upon people for their wrongful doing, not the people that do good things. I am gay and also Christian and I believe that God smiles down on me but not on the two white males that the neighbor spotted in the back alley as Chris has stated in his updates which probably committed the hateful act. God’s word says in Rom 10:9-10, “If you confess with your mouth that God sent Jesus to die for your sins and believe in your heart, you will be saved”. As gay Christian or not Gay Christian as long as you call on the name of Jesus, you will be saved (Rom 10:13). I hope the SPD will investigate and catch whoever committed the crime.

  • Wayne September 25, 2011 (3:19 pm)

    Just curious? Is everyone okay with the comment by spaceagepolymer on sept 24 at 11:06 pm “Jezus is so proud of his honky crackers” I happen to be a christian honky cracker and I find it offensive, any support.

  • Jeannie September 25, 2011 (3:35 pm)

    I am so sorry this happened! God does love you. Our church just had 187 people walk in the Seattle AIDS walk yesterday, the largest team there. We raised more than $8,000, the fourth largest amount. I say this to encourage you that many Christians, including me, believe God cares about everyone, straight, gay, sick, healthy.

  • shfy 1 September 25, 2011 (4:06 pm)

    wayne i believe that comment was positively dripping with sarcasm, that being said it is less than pc. but if not egads.

  • vicki September 25, 2011 (4:48 pm)

    Guys this is really horrible! We are so sorry that you have been attacked with not just common mischief but with horrible KKK signed hate crimes and damage. What is that?! Are they so self important that they think of themselves as Christian KKK? Whoa! And indeed it must have been planned quite a bit to have this note, eh?

    You are going to have quite a few expenses to repair your cars also which I feel badly for you. If it were us, I might not sleep well for a while and feel vulnerable in my own home.
    I want you to let all of us know what we can do to support you right now.
    At least we could do something to put our support and love into action.

    We “girls” are just up the hill on 44th.

  • JoanE September 25, 2011 (6:39 pm)

    What violent idiots. So sorry this happened to you, but proud to live in a neighborhood where this story has generated 91 letters of support for you in 3 hours. Please know as others have said, we’ve got your back and if there’s anything you need for support, just say the word.

  • Pv September 25, 2011 (7:55 pm)

    The act is so not West Seattle….The huge out pouring of love and support..that’s West Seattle.
    Rarely do you see this many responses so quickly to a story. This is because we are a proud welcoming community and will not tolerate these type of actions.

  • Marie September 25, 2011 (8:59 pm)

    I live around the corner and am so sorry and horrified to hear of this! I often walk that same block after working late hours and am left both frightened and angered to no end, but gratified still to hear the comments of so many caring and wonderful neighbors. I stand with them in saying that we are so very sorry to hear of this and that this sort of ignorance, intolerance and cowardly behavior will not be accepted here–not now, now ever.

  • Cait September 25, 2011 (10:19 pm)

    I cannot believe that this happened in West Seattle; I am so sorry to hear about it. I hate to think that, in any capacity, the KKK would have a presence here; if they do they are more stupid than I thought seeing that they had to have pulled a Columbus and thought they were in some other part of the country. Or in the 1800’s. Please publicize any demonstrations that might be planned. Hate crimes like this one will not be tolerated!

  • Shann September 25, 2011 (10:37 pm)

    Doesn’t the bible say something about “let he who has not sinned cast the first stone?” Well, I guess these two geniuses are not too smart are they? The fact that it happened in west seattle is surprising and it reallt makes me sad :(

  • WSB September 25, 2011 (11:27 pm)

    As a former TV type, I expected TV would eventually pick this up. KING 5 covered tonight: http://www.king5.com/news/West-Seattle-gay-couple-target-of-alleged-hate-crime-130546613.html
    .
    TR

  • knarlos September 26, 2011 (12:42 am)

    @nancy, nice one! you somehow found a way to blame politicians.its obamas fault, right? get real!

  • Disgusted American September 26, 2011 (5:22 am)

    they should be so lucky to have gay neighbors – who will ONLY BRING UP the property values….as majority of gays TAKE CARE of and Enhance thier properities…Hang in there Guys!

  • TammiWS September 26, 2011 (6:51 am)

    So sorry to hear this happened to you. This community is one of inclusion and tolerance. I’m in the Morgan Junction as well and if people do want to raise flags in solidarity I’d be happy to join in.
    @knarlos-I dont think Nancy’s comment was about Obama but rather the GOP’s recent debate and the unwillingness of those in the debate to shut down the hecklers in the audience.

  • knarlos September 26, 2011 (8:11 am)

    @tammyws, point taken. I was trying to say this is not a political issue, while throwing in some sarcasm about how everything seems to obamas fault. Although, shouldnt nancy be the one debating her comment? Just sayin.

  • Jamie M. September 26, 2011 (8:56 am)

    I can’t believe this kind of hatred is happening in our neighborhood. I thought West Seattle was a safe and secure place to live. I’m sad to hear this news and hope that acceptance and love wins over and those punks get what’s coming to them.

  • Dirk September 26, 2011 (9:17 am)

    Another voice of solidarity here. Let us know how we should show our support.

  • Elizagrace September 26, 2011 (9:53 am)

    I am livid. What an absolutely horrible thing to have to deal with – having your property damaged at all is a draining feeling and to know it was directed at you specifically and not randomly – I can’t even imagine.

    I am so so sorry. If there is anything we can do, shout it out and we will!!!

  • Alkidoc September 26, 2011 (10:02 am)

    Sorry to hear this neighbors. As you can see, the support you have here is overwhelming. The only ones unwelcome in WS are these hateful, pathetic excuses for people. Just like any terrorist, they want to disrupt life and create fear. The best retaliation is to keep our chins up and continue on…

  • Jim September 26, 2011 (11:33 am)

    I live just a few houses up the street from Chris and Lyle. I was out of town all weekend, so this is news to me as of this morning. And I’m pissed! I am one of the “other” gays on the street, coupled until a few months back when my partner passed away. We’ve lived here for 6 years and I’ve never, ever felt threatened or unwelcome. I don’t intend to start now. You can bet we’re not going to stand for this BS.

  • Tina Doherty September 26, 2011 (12:55 pm)

    I’m astonished that this happened in West Seattle – where did these idiots come from, the 19th century?? Don’t let them shake your sense of security, you have a whole community behind you!! :)

  • ChrisandLyle September 26, 2011 (1:19 pm)

    From the bottom of our overflowing hearts, we can’t begin to thank everyone for their show of support through the incident that happened at our home. We were surprised, as all of you were, that this even happened in our community. We have been residents of West Seattle for over 4 years now and have always been welcomed with open arms. If these cowards thought for one minute that we plan to be a victim and to live in fear, they thought wrong. Your kind words through this horrible situation have strengthened us beyond imagine and are even more proud to be part of this community.

    We would also like to thank the Seattle Police Department for their prompt response and continued work on this case, James Lynch at Q13 Fox, Owen Lei at KING5, Mike Andrew at SGN and most importantly, the West Seattle Blog for providing this forum to our community. Thanks to Tracy and her team!

    Now, more than ever, let’s continue to keep a close eye on our neighbors and our community and take back what’s ours! – Chris and Lyle

  • Rob September 26, 2011 (1:55 pm)

    Being gay, that’s exactly why I moved out of West Seattle long ago.

  • jen September 26, 2011 (6:59 pm)

    I think it’s a great idea for all LGBT people AND allies to fly rainbow flags. Leave ’em guessing and let us all realize we are in this together.

  • scubafrog September 27, 2011 (9:40 am)

    This makes me sick to my stomach. My well wishes go out to Chris and Lyle, what a traumatic ordeal. And invasive. I soooo hope they catch the perpetrators of this dispicable act, and that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Myself, and the majority of us West Seattleites will not tolerate bigotry in any form. Chris and Lyle’s civil rights were severely violated, and I hope we see justice. I also hope that Chris and Lyle are able to recover emotionally. Hugs to both of you

  • Bruce September 27, 2011 (10:04 am)

    I’m shocked, as part of a same-sex couple living north of that site on 53rd. Our neighbors are very supportive and we had another enjoyable “Night Out” street party the first Tuesday of August this year.

    Sadly legislation like the “Defence of Marriage Act” at the Federal and State levels encourage the people who did this to think that the law is on their side. That is what prevents my American partner from sponsoring me for a Green Card and perpetrates second-class status for all Gay and Lesbian Americans.

  • Mike September 27, 2011 (1:21 pm)

    Disgusting. Hope they are caught.

  • timeslid September 27, 2011 (1:21 pm)

    How about one more comment of support for you and yours. What happened to you in effect happened to all of us. Toast to standing united.

  • Kae September 27, 2011 (2:28 pm)

    That is BULL. I echo the same feeling of disgust.
    They’re the one’s that should get out of the neighborhood. Don’t let the ignorant get to you. Be proud. I’m in Morgan Junction too. I’ll put a flag on the house tonight in support.

    -Ally

  • cbof September 27, 2011 (3:09 pm)

    I also live in your neighborhood, and along with all the other responses here, just want to add my support. Regardless of lifestyle or religious opinion, no one deserves to be treated that way. Glad you had a quick and careful response from the police. Wishing you the best.

  • L September 27, 2011 (5:50 pm)

    I am sorry this happened to you. West Seattle is a wonderful neighborhood on a norm. There are a few bad seeds out there that come up with this crap. Be assured, that is not how most of us feel. To Rob and Craig who experienced the same hatred years ago, I am sorry for you also. However, advising someone to move out of a neighborhood that is showing so much support is a bit on the harsh side. From your posts, I am gathering that these things happened years ago, all the way back to the 70’s, when it was not widely spoke of or accepted. That is no longer the case. Hatred is hatred, regardless, and I am sorry for anyone who has to experience it. Whether it be for sexuality, race, religion, obesity, or any other reason, people can be cruel. This is the time that you also see the good and support come out in those who are not like that. West Seattle shows much support in that respect and maybe a visit to your old neighborhood would give you a change of heart. I hope they catch these hoodlums and they get a taste of justice.

  • Caanan September 27, 2011 (6:00 pm)

    I am so sorry to hear about this. While my partner and I feel very safe here, we have been harassed by passing cars once or twice. Certainly nothing that compares to the hate and stupidity aimed toward you and your partner.

    We stand with you.

  • Norman Rietveld September 27, 2011 (7:36 pm)

    As a gay Canadian who moved to the US what luck I had. We moved to our home right here in West Seattle in Spring of 1998. It has been a joy to live here. The people are awesome, kind, fun and always ready to help. Being gay did not even seem to matter. So… to here this story blow my socks off. This is not the West Seatle I know and love/live. But no surprize here when you see all the support. WEST SEATTLE ROCKS!

  • JER September 27, 2011 (7:41 pm)

    I just moved into West Seattle with my girlfriend and I am so sorry to hear that this happened to you. My empathy and support are with you.

  • merry September 27, 2011 (7:50 pm)

    Chris, Lyle
    I am so sorry this happened to you. My partner and I have lived in WS (just a couple blocks from you) since the mid 1980’s. We raised kids here and are now enjoying watching our grand kids grow up in WS. We are part of a loving caring neighborhood and you are too. The comments in response to your story are a testament to the decent, thinking people that surround you. It was a terrible hateful thing that happened to you and a wakeup call for us all to be vigilant but please know that your neighborhood will not turn a blind eye. You live amongst good people. God bless.

  • Eastside Scott September 28, 2011 (12:43 pm)

    What an awful thing. Hope the perps are found and punished. God bless you both!

  • Nuemes September 28, 2011 (4:31 pm)

    I’m so sorry to hear this is happening anywhere, let alone our community. We need to continue to vote for politicians who integrate (push for gay marriage) rather than separate (Santorum, Bachman, Perry, etc etc) until having same sex partners is not an ‘issue’ but is as normal as having opposite sex partners.

    Cheers to those of you who see this event as a challenge to stand taller and/or take progressive action by getting involved and voting. The gay community makes my community (and country) a better place. Thanks to all LGBTQIA people for choosing to live here.

Sorry, comment time is over.