VIDEO: Gunfire on Alki, one person killed


(Photos and video by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)

9:12 PM: First we got a call about gunfire heard on Alki – then, a big emergency response for an “assault with weapons” call at 62nd and Alki. More to come.

9:19 PM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli is at the scene and says a victim is being worked on in an aid unit. A witness tells him the same thing we heard from some readers – multiple shots. Police have been looking for a vehicle, described via scanner as a gray Mercury Marquis, last seen heading out across the bridge.

9:41 PM: SPD is sending a public-information officer to Alki to brief media. Detectives are on the way too. There is no information so far about the victim’s condition – only that they have been taken to Harborview Medical Center.

9:48 PM: More police continue arriving at the scene – Gang Unit and Homicide Unit among them. Please note that the presence of the latter does NOT mean anyone has died – they respond to certain non-fatal incidents as well.

10:12 PM: The PIO has arrived so more information should be available soon. And a side note, as we reported 13 hours ago, SPD has a scheduled City Council committee briefing about gun violence tomorrow morning – this will certainly be part of it.

10:45 PM: Police briefing wrapped up. (Added – here it is in its unedited entirety:)

Victim in his early 20s, life-threatening injuries. No suspects in custody so far. Both SPD and a witness with whom we just spoke say it was preceded by a large gathering, and then some kind of disturbance, and then gunfire. The witness said everyone then scattered – except the victim, who had fallen to the ground.

11:46 PM: Police recap has just appeared on SPD Blotter – the only additional detail is that the victim was shot “several times.” Still no word of arrests or suspect/vehicle description; anyone with information is asked to call police.

ADDED EARLY WEDNESDAY: A commenter identifying herself as the victim’s mother says he did not survive.

8:03 AM WEDNESDAY: A Harborview Medical Center spokesperson confirms to WSB that the victim died.

8:38 AM: Police have updated the SPD Blotter report, adding that the victim was 23 years old, and that they believe he was targeted, that this was not random.

4:13 PM: The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as Jordan D. Thomas.

231 Replies to "VIDEO: Gunfire on Alki, one person killed"

  • John May 23, 2017 (9:21 pm)

    Heard the cops fly by and helicopters, knew I’d find out what was going on from you guys first.  Hope no one was hurt and hope they catch the people involved. 

  • SuperAwesome May 23, 2017 (9:33 pm)

    There was a large party at the end of the 62nd at Alki this evening.  Probably 40 or more people at the bbq shelter.   We heard the shooting happen about 9 pm.  It was about 6 or 7 shots right in a row.  And then people running in all directions.  We can hear a helicopter overhead now.  Assuming they are looking for the shooter.  I hope everyone is ok. 

  • GWS May 23, 2017 (9:37 pm)

    Ah yes, a sure sign of Spring in the Emerald City – gunfire at Alki.

    • ts May 23, 2017 (10:06 pm)

      Yup!

  • Jon May 23, 2017 (9:42 pm)

    No information or visual descriptors regarding the “Community Members” seen in Mercury? They will probably ditch the car as soon as possible so it would be helpful to know if anyone could identify the shooters beyond the vehicle used.

  • kt May 23, 2017 (9:44 pm)

    The vehicle was actually a gold colour.

    • C.S. May 25, 2017 (11:16 am)

      There was a beige , tan, gold? Buick Park Ave parked at the end of parking lot at a large home improvement store on Delridge next to the police station.  Last night around 7:10 pm two males came in another car and pulled a red duffle bag out of the car then left the car behind. I over heard one male saying he took the car from some lady.

      • WSB May 25, 2017 (11:30 am)

        You called the police, right?

  • Kit May 23, 2017 (9:53 pm)

    This is so frustrating.  When good weather blesses us on Alki, it gets spoiled by gun toting thugs…  I literally walked by the area/group of people with my dog 3-5 minutes prior to the shooting at that location.  Whatever happened to #stoptheviolence?

    • EP May 24, 2017 (8:48 am)

      When the weather is warm it doesn’t matter what day it is; there will be large crowds on Alki.  The fact that there is alcohol everywhere and the smell of marijuana is disrespectful and against the law.  The police have a very big job to do in Seattle…it’s now a BIG city with BIG city problems and the city council needs to get their act together and do something about it.  The people of Seattle and surrounding cities who come to the beach for enjoyment don’t deserve this type of non-sense.  It’s a pretty sad day when I start to reconsider my route for walking my dog because I’m fearful of being caught up as an innocent bystander to gang violence!

    • Drew May 29, 2017 (12:30 pm)

      I’m sorry but #hashtags to promote safety do nothing.  More men in blue empowered to do their job would help.

  • holdenon May 23, 2017 (10:21 pm)

    Any reason why a police helicopter would be circling over the RV encampment just west of the 1st Avenue South bridge and east of West Marginal Way? Might the suspect have ditched himself there? Helicopter moved on about 9:30.

    • WSB May 23, 2017 (10:34 pm)

      The search for the vehicle stretched into eastern West Seattle and beyond – we heard one mention of a possible Georgetown sighting. Waiting for details from our crew at the SPD briefing at Alki and will add whatever info emerges.

  • Duck! May 23, 2017 (10:26 pm)

    Tv news report says coroner dispatched to the scene? That true? 

    • WSB May 23, 2017 (10:49 pm)

      The Medical Examiner was said to be headed that way. The victim was taken to Harborview with what police would only describe as life-threatening injuries so the M/E might be investigating in case this becomes a fatality.

    • Gt May 23, 2017 (10:52 pm)

      I wouldn’t doubt it.  We live within sight of the shooting.  The medics were doing chest compressions on the victim when the ambulance pulled away.  

  • Resident May 23, 2017 (10:30 pm)

    Was it lifted?  Saw a grey Marquis/crown Vic looking donk car on 21″s headed north on 35 past the bridge, came from South, may have originated from there earlier today.  Seen around 8 pm.  Direction of travel implies a local, maybe from White Center or Delridge.  Loud exhaust.  Didn’t see driver.

    • J May 24, 2017 (5:06 am)

      Why white center or delridge?

      • Resident May 24, 2017 (9:04 am)

        Because I came from that area as well, but didn’t notice the car till bridge traffic split off.

  • Big G May 23, 2017 (10:35 pm)

    My wife, son and I went by Alki last night around 8pm.  It looked like south central LA.  Sounds like tonight was even worse.  We need a greater police presence down there or else this is going to happen all summer long.  

    • newnative May 23, 2017 (10:53 pm)

      What do you mean it looked like south central LA? I was there the other night and it looked like Alki to me. What could make it look like south central LA? 

      • Jort Sandwich May 24, 2017 (12:03 am)

        I’m wondering, also. What might it be that reminded this person of South Central LA? I’m trying to picture what that might be. Maybe the sunny weather? Perhaps? Hmmmmm. 

        • smittytheclown May 24, 2017 (7:16 am)

          I’ve read it three times, and I am pretty certain that BIG G meant that it looked like South Central LA.  

      • Kimberly Valadez May 24, 2017 (12:02 pm)

        What? You’ve never noticed the gang members flashing gang signs? Give me a break!!! Come back tonight and you’ll see it

    • Wellnow May 24, 2017 (1:29 am)

      And so begin the not so suble racist undertones on this thread.

      • Billv34 May 24, 2017 (11:48 am)

        Really. Do people not know that crime is evenly distributed among all demographics?

    • BeachBum May 24, 2017 (1:57 am)

      I absolutely agree. Live blocks away and walked around the point on Sunday with my girlfriend at sunset. It’s crazy how the environment/culture of one location can change so much with the onset of good weather. I’m all for the casual BBQ/party with subtle public drinking, but it was well beyond that with no police in sight. Having lived in west seattle my whole life, mainly near Alki, I can confidently say that this issue has gotten exponentially worse year after year. 

    • Kittnpnts May 24, 2017 (6:56 am)

      Daaaayyym, Big G. You’re not even hiding your racism. You do you, buddy. Please remember people are people and every group has bad apples.

      • BC May 24, 2017 (8:55 am)

        Why does it have to be race? Maybe it looked like South Central because there were a bunch of gang members hanging out. Being in a gang isn’t limited to specific races. I don’t know Big G, so it could very well have been racist undertones, but jumping to that conclusion automatically is a stretch. 

    • Kimberly Valadez May 24, 2017 (11:48 am)

      I agree with that description 100% even told my husband just hours before this happened that it’s just a matter of time before a shooting occurs. Drugs and alcohol everywhere with no police presence so what can we expect! !! People don’t like hearing the truth.

  • Linda May 23, 2017 (10:37 pm)

    this gotta change we need plain clothes police this summer and more units both ends of beach. Our kids work their Summer jobs on Alki. it’s not ok to trash our Neighbourhood with violence or anywhere else

    • Cindy A Jensen May 23, 2017 (11:15 pm)

      I agree. What scares me is how brazen the gang bangers are. They drive up and down 63rd, staring at everyone as if they want to start something th en they tear down the alley like a bat our of Hades. The violence and nastiness has really escalated the past 3-4 years.

      • YUCK! May 24, 2017 (8:06 pm)

        NOT ONCE ON ANY NEWS ARTICLES (FROM THIS TIME AND EARLIER) THAT STATES THIS WAS ASSOCIATED WITH GANG VIOLENCE!

        Please fact check your statement before releasing false information due to your own personal point of view.

        • Kimberly Valadez May 28, 2017 (12:29 am)

          Heaven forbid Seattle acknowledges it has a gang problem……fyi….7 shots fired tonight (sat.) 11pm on Alki. Must have been a regular law abiding citizen. Thank God nobody was hurt this time..

        • stfu May 28, 2017 (4:58 pm)

          They weren’t saying this incident is gang related, just that Alki has a serious gang presence in the summertime. Please use context clues next time. 

  • Brandon May 23, 2017 (10:38 pm)

    Sun’s out, guns out.

  • Dominic May 23, 2017 (10:42 pm)

    The car was actually already found, I called in a vehicle tip and was called back saying “thank you for your tip, the vehicle has been found”. 

  • DirkDigs May 23, 2017 (10:48 pm)

    So all of the idiots with guns that don’t live here get to come here and ruin it for everyone else?

    Hey police, DO YOUR JOBS and proactively police this garbage out of our community.

    • Mike May 23, 2017 (11:06 pm)

      Blame the city council.  SPD has limited resources and Herbold is on a mission to restrict SPD even more.  We need more enforcement, we need a council that supports that.

      • Eric1 May 24, 2017 (12:18 am)

        Yep. If I were a cop in Seattle, I wouldn’t be proactive.   If the criminal is a minority, even if you saw a gun in his waistband the Clowncil would say you were racially profiling the “subject”.  Why get in trouble? Just wait far enough away so the perps escape before you arrive.  Interview 50 witnesses all of whom who didn’t see anything. Fill out a report with lots of blank spaces.  EZ PZ: nothing to see, nothing to report, and nothing to follow up on.

        .

        Unfortunately it will take somebody important being killed by stray gunfire before people in power will clamor for proactive policing.  We are suffering the consequences of electing the feckless city clowncil we have.

      • Double Dub Resident May 24, 2017 (6:23 am)

        Well unfortunately we don’t have a council that supports the police and one council member who actually had complete disdain and lack of respect for the police. 

        The DOJ has come in and set up a dog and pony show with a hands off approach to give the illusion that crime is down and use of force is down. 

        I have spoken with an officer who said he used to take off the street a week, an average of 7 guns (almost all from felons)  just from pro active traffic stops. No more. And guess what? No confiscated pistol from a felon, no crime. Ta da!! 

        Not to mention how often a suspect in a drive by shooting (who often times never actually hit anyone)  may often plea down to unlawful possession of a hand gun. And guess what? The violent crime gets reduced to a non violent crime!! Ta da!! Violent crime is down, Yay!!! 

        At the last annual neighborhood crime watch gathering that happens every year in West Seattle, I was telling my neighbors this was happening and no one believed it. That is until a police officer came by to visit and confirmed it by stating that officers know the communities they Patrol and develop a sense of when something isn’t right. They used to be able to pro actively pursue it, but no more. 

        This city has some grand idea that everyone can win and that’s not reality. Not everyone gets to be a winner and I’d rather the criminals lose. 

        Google Oakland side shows or Oakland side shows vs. police. This is what Alki is going to turn into if something is not done. Just from some comments of residents of Alki it is already starting to happen. 

      • David May 24, 2017 (8:40 am)

        Mike – you’re hitting the nail squarely on the head with that comment. 

      • Frank Booth May 24, 2017 (9:54 am)

        SPD is a joke……

        Due to Obama and US AG office breathing down the necks of our police, they have to no reason to police. Just wait for things to happen verse do what police use to do and that crack heads of the folks that are committing crimes.

        There is more call to action for cell phone users then to protect citizens of West Seattle from non residents messing up the place.

    • Sow May 24, 2017 (8:48 pm)

       DirkDigs 

       

      The police were doing their jobs when Seattle cried out, “Stop picking on me!” They are still doing their jobs. Just ask the DOJ–smirk! The police are policing  the way the majority wants it. Seattle is getting what it asked for. Now, live with it! ” POLICE DO YOUR JOB” ???  Please!!  Seattle doesn’t understand what Public Safety is, or how it really works. Think I’m wrong? IDGA…*!

       

       

  • Alki Resident May 23, 2017 (10:52 pm)

    Please pray for our community. 

    • Stuck between Gatewood and Fauntleroy May 24, 2017 (7:46 am)

      Amen. 

      • YUCK! May 24, 2017 (7:50 pm)

        PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FAMILY THAT LOST A SON, BROTHER, GRANDCHILD, OR LOVE ONE.

        THIS IS DISGUSTING!

        Show some respect, you and all the people that just like you.

    • Andy May 25, 2017 (6:33 am)

      Alki Resident, don’t waste your time praying. instead, call your city council and insist that they support our police.

  • Nate May 23, 2017 (11:06 pm)

    This happens every spring/summer. As soon as the weather gets nice, people from all over the city come to Alki… unfortunately, some of them being gangs. There are hardly any police down there on these nice days early in the season, so things get out of control quickly. They don’t  seem to step in until an incident like this happens. Maybe one of these years they will do some proactive policing.

  • Jeannie May 23, 2017 (11:07 pm)

    Why isn’t there more police presence in Alki during the summer? And how about the anti-cruising “law”?  I was there a few days ago, and some idiot was “burning rubber,” created a racket and big clouds of stinking exhaust. I called the cops, but I’m sure they didn’t apprehend him.

    • Steve May 24, 2017 (8:01 am)

      Because your city leadership is more concerned about the sugar in your sodas and capping pet fees!  I am glad they just passed the ordinance that you can video your police.  Thanks Lisa for your outstanding work!

      • TheWiserOne May 24, 2017 (11:55 pm)

        Actually Steve there is an existing City statute on the books in Seattle for several years that says you can film public servants, (police or other employees uniformed etc, in public places while they are working or on the job. Privacy doesn’t attach to any of the laws except for places that privacy is expected, in their homes, using the restroom, in Confession at church, that kind of thing. Legislation that passed unanimously was to employ community oversight of office of police/professional accountability so that when an officer breaks the law he doesn’t get to keep his badge when he violates policy, practicality of the law, theft, dishonesty …etc. and it insures the public that the wrongdoings of officers will not go unpunished when they are off book and endanger the society they are sworn to protect. It will help build trust among those who have felt the repercussions of biased police, and officers who’ve escalated situations that should have been discernibly de-escalated. Now it has to be funded so this three pronged accountability legislation will work smoothly and hopefully safer for people and officers.

  • Chris May 23, 2017 (11:11 pm)

    As unfortunate as it is, gun shots on Alki are a common occurance and more so than West Seattle may be willing to shoulder?  Mix sun, booze, drugs and guns and what do you get? Just ask the young gentleman last Sunday morning who was face down passed out on my front patio at 5am.

  • WarriorPoet May 23, 2017 (11:13 pm)

    We saw a group of suspicious people hanging out in SPUDS parking lot that was notable to us.  This was just before the shooting.  We were in Spud’s as it was happening.  They would not move for us when we pulled in.  No matter what, they would not move for anyone.  They had bad attitudes and there were many loud people inside and outside of SPUD’s and in the parking lot. I told my husband that on Saturday night, there was a gang crowd then as well trying to outdo each other with whose car smoke could be louder and bigger and who could destroy their car more. I find it really sad that this is happening in an area that is really close to my heart where I go to relax. I am from Washington DC and I have lived out here ten years, but when a formerly peaceful part of West Seattle now is affected by gun violence, there is an obvious issue here.

  • Anonymous May 23, 2017 (11:15 pm)

    Definitely felt a LA vibe tonight, we were in the restaurant across the street when we heard firing 5 gunshots. Almost sounded like a car back fired at first two shots then a few more. We were walking the street tonight with kids minutes before, there was an edge about it after 730pm, quite a thuggish presense out tonight. Very loud music, guys hollaring at eachother from cars, heavy drinking and weed smoking on walkways/sidewalks. Sad, we usually come here for the relaxation and views.

    Everywhere has crime, but it seemed like a different style of Alki than we have seen. People were pissy and not on a sun high. A lot of showing off going on with bikes, cars, and attitudes. There were a lot of families out, but seriously it felt like Tacoma…not Alki.

    A waitress from the restaurant walked out as it was happening and said she thought it was a black impala and a man in a white shirt that shot the guy. Hopefully he lives through his injuries, the medics were working hard on him, we saw chest compressions for over 10mins before they drove off. Good job to them for responding so quickly. Prayers for the guy and his family

    • candrewb May 24, 2017 (5:44 am)

      “Maybe I can put up with a longer commute…”

    • Wow May 24, 2017 (9:44 pm)

      “It felt like Tacoma?” Meaning…? All the thugs live in Tacoma? They only come up to precious, over-priced, whitewashed Seattle to stir up trouble? Give me a break. Seattle has problems, like any other big city. Deal with it and do something about it. I guess you could always move to Tacoma… 

  • holdenon May 23, 2017 (11:19 pm)

    Seattle Police and Port Police seem to be ignoring the speeding motorcycles and loud, crazy-fast cars racing on West Marginal.  Is this a jurisdiction issue?  Are they also ignoring the gang activities? Because of the Port, West Seattle could be falling though the cracks.

    • Colby May 23, 2017 (11:53 pm)

      That’s SPD jurisdiction. Port Police are only for Port properties, airport, and harbors. 

  • ts May 23, 2017 (11:44 pm)

    We see this year after year after year. Not sure what needs to be done but it’s time for police to do something different. Police can still do their jobs despite the increased oversight. The issues were there before SPD was under a consent decree. 

    • TheWiserOne May 24, 2017 (12:44 am)

      TS you are the voice of reason.  I stand with you. 

      I am sad by this incident on the beach and yes in recent years it is more common, and safety is a risk, that wasn’t the way it was just a few years back. 

      Also I encourage people to avoid use of the word ‘thug’ or any other generalization. Okay so a large group of people of a younger generation were rude or loud or competing cars, this is normal in society. The fact that it ended in a shooting because someone has a gun extended to their ego is common too, but not acceptable to shoot any another person ever. Especially not in crowds of people or surrounding where kids and innocents are. But using slang, terminology, inferences, cultural known identifiers without identifying , does not help as a solution – all of these things adds to the bias of other people,  youth,  unfair treatment of others which is cyclical in reinforcing a negative stereotype that some youth with no guidance will eventually live up to when as a kid growing up they weren’t given a proper chance or choice to not grow up around others with the negative mindset or in gangs to feel acceptance. We all need to love our children more. 

      • ts May 24, 2017 (9:30 am)

        Amen.

      • KS May 24, 2017 (9:55 am)

        Thank you!  I have noticed the coded language, too. It’s disgusting. I imagine it’s a huge pain being an Alki resident during the summer because of the increased traffic and noise, but check yourselves people; you are describing your grievances with racism.

        • Andy May 25, 2017 (5:50 am)

          The word “thug” has been used to describe criminals, no doubt, long before you were born. I’ve been roaming this planet for 74 years, and I know very well how long the word “thug” has been used to describe criminals, both black and white. If you don’t like the word “thug,” then don’t use it, but don’t you dare tell me which words I can use and which words I can’t.

      • Teri Ensley May 24, 2017 (11:29 am)

        Well said TheWiserOne

      • Double Dub Resident May 24, 2017 (11:55 am)

        Clap clap, now back to reality. Give me a break. There is a culture of youth that are not only embracing, but continually trying to demonstrate and romanticize the “thug life” with their wannabe gangsta lifestyle. 

        When I was a youth neither me or my friends went around carrying guns (though I do legally now). You know who did? Self professed “thugs”. 

        And you want to chalk this up to youth that play their stereos loud and burn rubber and then talk about over generalizing when you’re trying to do just that and write this off as youth just being youth? 

        I’m so tired of these politically correct tropes and this worry about being offensive. These people are acting like thugs period. And the “thug life” is a cultural thing, not a race thing. 

        If you want to go hug a thug, be my guest, but I have shown to too many gang detectives and officers to know the reality of what is going on. 

        • Wow May 24, 2017 (9:46 pm)

          How is you carrying a gun different from them carrying guns…? Guns are guns. Thugs are thugs. You’re not any better. 

          • Double Dub Resident May 26, 2017 (4:29 am)

            I’m a law abiding, tax paying citizen, who LEGALLY carries for protection. Not to be “hard” or gangsta. Not that I need to explain myself to you

          • pdinsea May 26, 2017 (12:20 pm)

            Are you serious?  Wake up Wow.  How is he carrying a gun different than a thug with a gun.  Let me count the ways!

      • Concerned Citizen of West Seattle May 25, 2017 (11:10 am)

        We need to come out of “Don’t harm my sensitivity” to an understanding of how profiling and statistics work.  While profiling may not be ideal, it does help in these situations.  Some of the attitudes and comments are racist, however, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater here.  If guests to Seattle Public Spaces are trying to act tough, getting in the way of traffic, making residents uncomfortable (not because of their color but because of their behavior), drinking in public (not legal), smoking weed in public (not legal), yelling at each other above what is really socially acceptable, using threatening language and acting in a threatening manner, then no matter their race, they are acting in a profile that is not congruent to how society as a whole deems acceptable behavior in a shared public space.  If that hurts people’s feelings then you are way to sensitive.  Police need to be able to take these cues and do with them what they need to in order to maintain safety.  If the people doing these things are black, or hispanic, we should not be looking solely at these attributes, but at the other attributes that may have caught the attention of the police as well.  Just crying racism and racial profiling is easy, determining why the group of people was actually profiled and asking those questions is harder.  Don’t take the easy route, take the hard route.  If the profiled people were bothering people walking by, being aggressive, drinking and smoking pot illegally, and just overall being a nuisance, then that deserves to be recognized as something that should be profiled and paid attention to.  Get off of the soap box and stop trying to be the White Knight for everyone, and let’s solve the problem of keeping residents of the area safe, no matter from what color of person.

      • Lip scarf May 26, 2017 (10:19 am)

        Give me a break – it is YOU who is associating these adjectives with race. A thug is a thug no matter what color they are. 

  • alki beach May 23, 2017 (11:47 pm)

    There are never cops around when these losers are out. As soon as the weather is decent, people lap Alki all day and all night revving their racing bikes and beaters with obnoxious exhaust, or just blasting their subwoofer. Enforce the damn noise and cruising laws!

  • CAM May 23, 2017 (11:50 pm)

    Pretty sure that shooting someone is illegal anywhere it happens and is a problem for every community in which it occurs, whether rarely or frequently. Suggesting that one neighborhood is more entitled to safety than some other place is pretty entitled. You don’t get to decide who (no matter what their appearance or chosen legal (but not your style of preferred) activity) gets access to public spaces. There also several comments from people tonight which include coded racial references which are incredibly disappointing to read. 

    I hope there are as few shootings as possible, this suspect is caught with as little difficulty as possible, and the city council, police, and citizens can work together to reduce violence. Fear mongering and race baiting isn’t going to get us there. No amount of policing is going to eliminate illegal behavior. 

    • BeachBum May 24, 2017 (2:10 am)

      For the most part I don’t think people are saying Alki is more entitled and should warrant more of a police presence than other places. I think people are just pointing out the fact that it’s an area, unlike most other places in our city, that has a major influx of people (probably more than it’s designed for) on a regular basis, during a certain season, that has shown year after year that it does require a heavier police presence. We living on Alki care about our neighborhood and are just recognizing a blinding problem. 

    • Bradley May 24, 2017 (2:23 am)

      Ridiculous. I’ve lived in West Seattle for 28 years and there has always been less crime at Alki when more police were there and more crime when they weren’t. I drove through the entire Alki area late this afternoon and did not see even one Seattle Police officer in the hour or so I was there. The beach and walking path were full of young punks smoking marijuana openly and drinking alcohol in defiance of state laws. They are doing this because there aren’t any SPD officers patrolling Alki. Those of us who are older feel threatened when there are intoxicated people in public. Put the mobile precinct down there and the crime will stop immediately, just as it always has when they park it down there. The young man would not have been killed this evening had SPD officers been a presence at Alki.

      • YUCK! May 24, 2017 (8:30 pm)

        WARNING: This comment may came from a unthoughtful and privillage member of society.

        Show some respect and decency for those that lost a love one. I’m sure if the roles were reversed on your family, you would not want to read comments like yours online.

        Thank you.

      • Chaff May 24, 2017 (11:56 pm)

        This murder would not have happened if the police had been on Alki??? REALLY????? That’s an unrealistic assumption there Bradley.  How many officers do you think patrol the streets of Seattle on any given watch?  How about just in West Seattle? Are you aware that the staffing levels for SPD, instead of increasing  in accordance with the population growth, have remained virtually the same for a population established in the 1970’s? 

        SPD’s fault??? REALLY?? Seattle blindly and wrongly agreed to a decent decree with the DOJ which placed the SPD in a no-win situation. The DOJ cooked the books on their “investigation” and Seattle, duped into false findings, now has to suffer for it.  Seattle IS getting what it asked for! Want to see the entire farce come into fruition, elect Sawant as your next mayor. What a side show Seattle is, and has become. 

        • Bradley May 25, 2017 (1:48 am)

          That’s a no-brainer, Chaff. Of course this shooting would not have happened had there been a police presence there at 9:00-9:30 pm. But it wasn’t your son who was murdered in plain sight of hundreds of witnesses with no police around, was it? EVERY time there has been a police presence at Alki over the decades I have lived here in WS, the violent crimes stopped. Completely. However, I COMPLETELY agree with you that the SPD has been hung out to dry by Obama’s DOJ and that Seattle has turned into a side show.

    • AMB May 24, 2017 (5:30 am)

      Thank you, CAM. The racial references in the comments were disturbing and in fact were barely coded. What else do people mean when they say it felt like South Central LA or even Tacoma? Or that it was “thuggish?” This City and this West Seattle community have been a beacon of light, tolerance and hope in a time where hatred is making a resurgence in our country.  Let’s keep it that way. 

      • BC May 24, 2017 (9:01 am)

        Saying someone looks like a gang member isn’t necessarily code for racism – there are gang members of all races. They could very well be referring to clothes, tattoos, and general behavior. You really don’t think there are identifiers that someone might be in a gang outside of race? 

      • sadtaco May 24, 2017 (11:47 am)

        Because someone says “south central LA”, “Thuggish”, or any other reference to gang activity doesnt imply any racist undertones. I think you and a lot of people are being way to sensitive; and this “beacon of light” statement is just silly. Seattle is a big city like any other with real world problems; it has gangs and violent crime like any other as well. If thuggish and south central LA references imply racism to you, what would you prefer? “Organized branches of urban youth criminal activity”?

    • Tony May 24, 2017 (5:39 am)

      Subwoofers! Staring! Losers!  What has West Seattle become!? *Catches the vapors.  

      Yours is a very cogent argument, but it will likely fall on many deaf ears.  The comment section of this blog is often proof that every form of NIMBY-ism (from entitlement to thinly veiled racism) is alive and well in Seattle, and is more common than suggesting a reasonable but difficult solution to address the problem of needless violence, regardless of where it occurs or who perpetrated.  

      • Double Dub Resident May 24, 2017 (1:06 pm)

        Yes, wanting a neighborhood without POS and shootings is NIMBY-ism and thinly veiled racism. What Twilight Zone do we live in? 

      • Concerned Citizen of West Seattle May 25, 2017 (11:18 am)

        Yes, I do believe I am entitled to safety, not being afraid to walk on the public beach, and having a great summer in the awesome public space called Alki Beach!  What I don’t believe others are entitled to is aggressive behavior, smoking and drinking in public, choking traffic, driving and parking illegally, and doing whatever they want.  I believe I have rights as well.  This isn’t a race thing, so don’t pull the race card.  White, black, Hispanic; doesn’t matter; I should not feel threatened or vulnerable walking down the beach like I do today because of a lack of police presence and the actions of a few bad people that could easily be fixed.

    • JCA May 24, 2017 (6:38 am)

      Agree. We need to listen to ourselves, and strive to remember the best within us. 

    • David May 24, 2017 (9:49 am)

      You don’t get to decide who (no matter what their appearance or chosen legal (but not your style of preferred) activity) gets access to public spaces….”

      But, drinking in public and smoking marijuana in public are illegal activities.  As isreckless driving.   Had police been down there enforcing these laws, this young man would likely still be alive today.   Further, if SPD had been down there enforcing these laws, people would be decrying the.  “harassment by government stormtroopers…”   

  • Grieving Mother of Victim May 24, 2017 (12:09 am)

    I am the mother of now deceased victim of Alki shooting. Please if anyone has any info of any kind pls i beg pls email or respond. Thank you

    • AMB May 24, 2017 (5:34 am)

      I am so sorry to hear this, maam. As a Mom, I cannot imagine your pain. You and your family will be in our hearts today. 

    • Danyel May 24, 2017 (5:46 am)

      I am so sorry for your families loss. I hope the suspect is apprehended and justice is served. Love and light to you and your family!

    • West Seattle Transplant May 24, 2017 (6:03 am)

      I am sorry for your loss.

    • Robert May 24, 2017 (6:20 am)

      Sorry for you loss and my prayers are with you…

    • Bonnie May 24, 2017 (7:07 am)

      Grieving Mother, I am so very sorry for your loss.  

    • Kittnpnts May 24, 2017 (7:14 am)

      I am so sorry for your loss and that you must endure this pain. 

      I have a suspicion that SPD will catch this a–hole with surveillance cameras posted at businesses along Alki and nearby homes. God speed.

    • West Seattle since 1979 May 24, 2017 (7:22 am)

      So sorry for your loss.

    • Kathleen May 24, 2017 (7:30 am)

      I am so, so sorry for your loss.  My heart goes out to you and your family.

    • Also a mother May 24, 2017 (10:20 am)

      I’m so sorry for your loss. As a mother I can’t imagine the pain you must be feeling. I will keep you and the rest of your family in my prayers. Also the police that they find the persons responsible. 

    • Leah Rogers May 24, 2017 (11:01 am)

      I am so incredibly sorry. I love you.

      Leah 

  • A. Non Emouse May 24, 2017 (12:10 am)

    I was picking up food for delivery on Alki tonight and I must have pulled out of my parking spot just as the shooting happened.  Seemed to me that there was a lot more than 40 people on the beach at that point, at least 100. It was a large party,  but I have to say, I thought to myself as I was leaving that I was glad to be doing so. The vibe was just not right.  By the time I finished my delivery, I heard the sirens and I looked down at my phone to check my twitter and sure enough – shooting on Alki. I do hope the young man makes it, the shooter is caught and that we don’t have the summer I’m afraid we’re due for.     By the way – for the folks who are surprised, this is a pretty normal occurrence – at least one or two  a year.  Seattle is a medium sized city and west coast gangs area a part of life.  Which is why I don’t understand why the mobile SPD Precinct wasn’t already down at Alki tonight. 

    • East Coast Cynic May 24, 2017 (5:56 am)

      I was wondering if the mobile unit wasn’t there because the “party” on Alki usually gets started on the weekend while mid week tends to be quiet?

      Yep, we may be on a peninsula, but we’ve got big city crime.

  • mp May 24, 2017 (3:30 am)

    Has there been any thought about putting up surveillance cameras along the park or Alki Ave?

    • West Sea Neighbor May 24, 2017 (7:39 am)

      I think I remember that there were cameras installed all along there a few years ago, but they were never turned on due to privacy concerns of locals and the aclu chiming in.

      • WSB May 24, 2017 (7:46 am)

        Regarding the cameras. They are still there. They are not in use. WSB was the first to report them, in fact – they were installed without any public announcement but a couple of readers happened to wonder what was going on. Coverage is archived here, going back from the last story we did in 2014. https://westseattleblog.com/category/seattle-police-surveillance-cameras/

  • NotOnHolden May 24, 2017 (5:18 am)

    This is being reported as fatal.  I’m so sorry. This should have been another beautiful day, not something that ends in violence and death.  Every time I drive down Alki I think “I am so lucky to live in such a beautiful place”.  I’m so sorry to those that lost a friend and loved one.

  • Lola May 24, 2017 (5:29 am)

    Grieving mother,  

    I am so sorry for your loss, these shootings have to stop.  I live down by Alaska Street and I heard all the sirens come down Alaska and go down Jacobson.  My son lives in the Admiral and he texted me that sirens were going down Admiral heading to the beach.  I told him it happened across the street from Starbucks and it looks like someone was shot, and they were looking for a gray Marquis. 

    We need more police or plain clothes down at Alki now that it is rampping up and more people are going to have bon fires and picnics.

    Lola

  • J May 24, 2017 (5:50 am)

    My husband and I were actually down at alki right there like 10 minutes
    before it happened and we had to drive slow. And it just so happens that
    we had to stop right next to a gold marquis going the opposite
    direction with a dude sitting on the passenger side window with his
    hands and face above the roof throwing up gang signs. So we got the hell
    outta dodge.

    • Kimberly Valadez May 24, 2017 (11:59 am)

      Please call in any description you can remember 

  • G Man May 24, 2017 (6:10 am)

    Maybe the idiots at city hall will finally realized they need more police down there and not waste all their time trying to ticket off leash dogs 

    • Chaff May 25, 2017 (12:06 am)

      Misguided, unwarranted, baseless comment G Man

  • David Kannas May 24, 2017 (6:15 am)

    Back in the “good old days” when I was a patrol officer, my sergeant had an Alki policy that worked. We presented a massive show of force early on in the beach season when the morons come out of their holes. We were instructed to “take no prisoners,” meaning that the message was sent via a generous number of citations written, etc. That tactic may no longer work given the feel good approach to policing in Seattle. But would have an impact for Alki is surveillance via the cameras that caught so much flack when they were installed. If those who are by nature troublemakers know that they are being watched, they may no misbehave or just go somewhere else to shoot each other. Just an idea. Another idea might be to not send mixed messages to the Police Department.

    • David May 24, 2017 (9:56 am)

      On the money, David.  Thanks for your service.  I hope the current city “leaders” and the brass at SPD get back to doing real police work.   You can’t fight this type of criminal behavior with feel-good policing.  

    • WsEd May 24, 2017 (2:38 pm)

      Exactly David,

      That was about the time that the anti cruising laws went into effect.  I used to hang at Alki with a racially diverse group of friends, caucasians, native americans, eastern indians, asian americans and african americans and none of us was ever harassed by the police because we were minding our own business and not a nuisance or threat to the local community.  People on this blog are being apologists for ‘community members’ that do not want to be part of a productive community.  I guarantee no one making these comments has ever encountered a situation where they have been directly threatened with gun violence.  It tends to change your opinion a bit.  I love NIMBY’s now, they are the reason I move to West Seattle.

    • Lifetime WS resident May 25, 2017 (5:45 pm)

      The only “feel good” approach you decry that I know of is non-discriminatory, and non-lethal use of force,  unless warranted, policing.  If that’s what you mean, then I respectfully disagree.

  • RJB May 24, 2017 (6:16 am)

    Thank you Cam, that needed to be said. RIP shooting victim and so, so, so sorry for your loss mother of the victim. We are better that this West Seattle.

  • Robert May 24, 2017 (6:19 am)

    Where is the LAMA DUCK mayor and the LAMER city counsel on these types of shootings? Those folks are all over the news when it comes to them allowing illegal encampments…but where are they for issues like these? 

    We never see them for this type of thing unless it’s a gun grab from the public at large:

    The issue here is loser gangs…their PC mentality keeps them from breaking up gangs.

    Police should be given powers to stop and frisk people who are obviously dressed like gangs doing gang like activity…

    • Jethro Marx May 24, 2017 (9:45 am)

      The same bill of rights that prevents the “gun grabs” you hilari/errone-ously describe allows people to dress and speak in the manner they choose, for the most part. Do we scrap it so we can beat up on “losers?” I’m not sure what LAMA means, but regarding the mayor, I’ve seen and heard the mayor, and I don’t think he’s equipped to step in and fight crime. You’re thinking of Batman.

  • Duck! May 24, 2017 (6:20 am)

    When my wife and I moved here 7 years ago we walked to Alki and enjoyed the restaurants and walking the trail all the time. Now we stay away all summer due to the intimidation by gangs, bikers, car nuts. It’s frustrating that SPD does nothing to enforce anti-cruising ordinance or public consumption of pot and booze on and around the beach.  They seem to have lots of resources after the shots are fired but nothing to prevent the situation from developing 

  • justme May 24, 2017 (6:28 am)

    Grieving Mother: I am so sorry to hear you’ve lost your son. So so sorry. I hope justice can be done and you can find some peace in your heart someday again. Prayers are with you.

  • KK50 May 24, 2017 (7:37 am)

    I’m a relative new comer to West Seattle having only lived here for 15 years. Long enough to see the changes in Alki over time. 

    Thugs has come to be a word used by white elites to tar the entirety of a minority community. It’s used when observing people of color doing things we don’t approve of.

    we can’t put up road blocks and turn away people that irk us but aren’t doing anything illegal. We can’t profile certain groups. We can’t do illegal searches for weapons. 

    What are ways to control things from getting out of hand and stay within the boundaries of the law?

    decible meters to try and control noise from loud motorcycles? Tickets for alcohol and pot consumed outside of the boundaries of being legal? 

    • CM May 26, 2017 (6:54 pm)

       I think that the  implication of thug  has changed since Richard Sherman was called a thug  and it became racial.

       In defending himself he said I went to Stanford on grades,  i’m not a thug but I know thugs.

      some people could be using the term thug to refer to anyone who likes to be intimidating and violent –  including whites.

  • T Rex May 24, 2017 (7:50 am)

     The PC police on this blog is ridiculous.  While reading some of these statements  I swear I heard John Lennon singing “Imagine”. 

    I no longer give a crap about these poor oppressed kids who just need love and guidance. Bull. I can guarantee most of the people in this GANG knows right from wrong. Maybe, just maybe their choices and the decisions they make are actually their own fault??  Let’s see, gang signs, no respect for the businesses and other people in the area, alcohol and guns. It is not rocket science what is about to happen next.  A young man loses his life and his poor mother pleads for witnesses on this blog.  

    IF the cops would have been down there and SHOT the man who killed this poor young man, there would have been hell to pay for that as well. 

     Grieving Mother, I hope someone comes forward to  help in your healing and find the horrible person who did this to you and your family.

     

    • Noon May 24, 2017 (8:56 am)

      *clap clap*

      I agree. We should call out things for what it is. They are thugs. It was a “thuggish” presence. No one likes it, but it’s true. People trying to deny the facts because it doesn’t make them feel good are just oblivious to the reality of the world. 

    • AlkiArmageddon May 24, 2017 (9:15 am)

      Couldn’t agree with you more T Rex. Its the elephant in the room.

      Its a police matter. The only way to persuade these people is with the law. What am I going to do when some dudes are sitting in their car in my front yard finishing off a 5th or smoking weed? Reason with him? Ask him to please consume his drugs and alcohol elsewhere? Get real, its not my business to police the neighborhood, the police would 100% agree. The last thing I want is a conflict, I just want to feel safe in my own home. 911 does. not. work. The non-emergency line is. useless.

      The fact that I cannot walk down the street after 6pm with my wife and toddler without tough looks, derogatory remarks to my wife, and the general anxiety of thugs and motorcycle jetting down the strip is totally ridiculous, yet its accepted. It is pathetic that a few bad apple take over the neighborhood after 4pm when all the families and beach-goers leave.

      And to all the people who want to bury your head- don’t tell me I should get used to it, it has always been this way, or move. How about not throwing up your arms pathetically to thugs, violence, and drugs? I grew up around the beach and this new level of intimidation ruins it for EVERYONE. You simply are not aware it doesn’t have to be like this, most recreation areas are not like this. Residents and the 99% of beach goers who come to Alki to relax should have to worry about fights or gunfire.

      Imagine that.

    • David May 24, 2017 (9:58 am)

      Thank you T-Rex.  

  • CR May 24, 2017 (7:50 am)

    Another sad night for Seattle and a senseless tragedy.  

    Interesting varying perspectives on the police.  Folks, the days or preemptive policing are gone.  People, including known gang members that are most likely armed are free to gather on Alki Beach or anywhere else in the city.   The laws, the consent decree, the mayor, the prosecutor’s office, the Seattle public’s (including many of you posting) negative bias towards the police, and especially the city council are the reason we are where we are today.

    The ability for the police to get involved before an incident occurs is limited.  They run the risk of making illegal stops or contact, racial profiling, harassment, other civil rights violations in addition to being accused of escalating a situation.  There is a long list of large claims settlement payouts by the city many of which in my opinion were extortion payments that where cheaper to pay than to litigate and defend in court.  Everything these days is on video and the part of clip that makes it to the news or court doesn’t tell the whole story.

    Yes, the police can have a greater presence on Alki for more visibility and to get involved more quickly after an incident occurs but resources are limited.  We can’t have a large police presence on Alki and still serve the rest of the city.

    For those frustrated with the state of the city, you can start at the ballot box.  There will be a new mayor and in my opinion the entire city council needs to be replaced starting with Lisa Herbold who represents West Seattle.

  • Aero May 24, 2017 (8:04 am)

    Unfortunately, this happens every year at this time when the weather starts getting nice. As a life long Alki resident, it is always disappointing to see people who don’t live around here infiltrating and trashing the beach in the Summer. My family and I try to avoid the beach starting in the late afternoon when the weather is nice. It’s a shame we can’t enjoy it because of violence and sketchy people that are hanging around.

    Increased police presence is absolutely necessary. As others have said, our police force has a very hands off approach because of the city council, DOJ, etc. They would much rather take a report than come across a crime where they may have to use force. I am not faulting SPD for this and think we as a city have caused this.

  • Concerned resident May 24, 2017 (8:13 am)

    I was walking my dog on Alki and saw this very large group with NO police in sight. Does anyone have suggestions on how to get involved to work with police and locals to #protectourneighborhood ????

    My husband and I have lived in the area for years and finally bought our home here. One of the reasons are the neighbors! Please tell us how we can help. I noticed a city council meeting today but who can attend at 9:30am on a work day. 

    Starting today, I plan to start calling 911 anytime I see activity that concerns me. I should have looked closer as I’m sure these folks were drinking which is illegal. I wish would have called! A group that large is not normal for a Tuesday night. I hope we can all work together to protect the place we love. People can’t just come in and disrespect our neighborhood with this behavior. 

    • WSB May 24, 2017 (8:34 am)

      CR, we have publicized meetings with police and locals for *years*. They’re in our calendar, they’re in our daily previews. Three that happen regularly: Alki has a community council. They meet on third Thursdays, 7 pm, Alki UCC. Usually a small group. All volunteers and residents. Police are often there with a briefing. West Seattle also has two regular community group meetings at the precinct every month – also small, volunteer groups with a lot more potential for involvement – WS Crime Prevention Council on third Tuesdays, 7 pm, and WS Block Watch Captains Network, fourth Tuesdays, 6:30 pm. Don’t just show up in the bad times. Show up in the quiet times. Ask questions in the spring about police’s plan for the summer, about what’s being done re: chronic problems.

      • Just call 911 May 24, 2017 (10:05 am)

        WSB is correct.  There are ample police and community meetings which are reported by the Blog (thanks!). The SPD repeat and repeat and repeat: call 911 when you sense trouble or danger.  From some comments it sounds like trouble and danger were sensed well before the shooting occurred.

        SPD also keeps repeating to not leave stuff in your car, yet we continually have reports of car prowlers collecting items from people’s cars.

        Thank you WSB for your continuous reporting and SPD for reminders.

    • AlkiGlamma2be May 24, 2017 (11:20 am)

      Exactly my thoughts. I called 911 the previous night. I didn’t see but rode by that party about 7:00pm. My boyfriend and I rode to enjoy the beauty of the point on our bicycles as we do everyday!!! It felt wrong…the energy in the air was bad. We went inside. I live in the Alki Sands and see ALOT. 

  • Elle Nell May 24, 2017 (8:21 am)

    Peace to this victim and his grieving family… 

    there are a few things at work here- there have been and probably always will be gangs, these guys though, have no respect for anyone. The old school gangsters actually kept some “honor among criminals”.. not this new generation, completely ignorant. They do NOT care about ANYTHING- that what scares the hell out of me. 

    Then you have the police, who are trying to retaliate against the public for all of the oversight and reform they have been receiving. This does not help and before the comments start up- I have heard this straight from the horses mouth, friends who are cops. 

    So, clearly we need to ALL be reaching out to those who need to hear. Write directly to the Cheif and demand they get off the BS and protect and serve… and take care of the children! They need guidance and acceptance, attention and good old fashioned love– ❤️

    • Aero May 24, 2017 (8:42 am)

      As someone from a law enforcement family and circle, I do not get the sense that SPD is trying to “retaliate” against the public. The officers are too afraid to do anything at all which is the problem. The amount of time they are kept off the road patrolling to fill out use of force paperwork for every incident, along with other bureaucratic restrictions have kept their hands tied. All of the officers I know personally would love to be doing more to help the community, but aren’t able to.

  • WCR May 24, 2017 (8:29 am)

    Did any of you who walked right by this loud rowdy party, with drinking alcohol in public and smoking marijuana in public call this in to the police? If you are concerned there is no police presence, why are you not calling them when you see this?

  • Huck May 24, 2017 (8:45 am)

    A whole lot more of this has to happen before anyone will be motivated enough to make a change and get tough on these dirt bags destroying our public beach park. Doesn’t it feel great to pay all these extremely high property taxes, yet we are all afraid to go to the beach on nice weekends? Ahhhh, yes. A few bad apples changing the lives of the masses. We’ve never seen that movie before.

  • Tiredofguns May 24, 2017 (8:47 am)

    Police do a great job in Seattle when dispatched, it’s not fair to put this on them, they could never know when a gang related shooting will take place. I for one know there was a shooting practically in my backyard two weeks ago, and again someone shot broad daylight in SAME spot this past Sunday and now this on Alki. All these shootings happening in the same spots as always. I live nearby and NEVER see police in those parking lots- it would benefit the council people to start to beef up patrols in trouble spots. 

  • momof3boys May 24, 2017 (8:50 am)

    So sorry to the family grieving the loss of this young person, I cannot imagine your pain. As far as those of you who blame the police for our cities violence, police in our city are busy responding to 9-1-1 calls, and handling our homeless and crisis population, not enough of them to “sit” on a trouble spot.  And before you all whine about those you see in the coffee shops, or eating a sandwich in their car – they deserve a coffee break and a lunch break just like you.  Police officers/Detectives are hired to respond to & investigate crime, instead they are busy being social workers, mental health workers & family therapists. It’s us as taxpayers that have to be willing to vote in a mayor and a city council that will increase the number of officers in our city.  

  • SB May 24, 2017 (9:18 am)

    As I was taking my brother-in-law to the airport (around 9:45pm Tues.) , my car was unfortunately mistaken as that of the suspects (Gold and same make as noted in previous comments – not sure if they are intentionally not releasing that info…).  Several cops pursued with chopper following me with its spotlight. I thought I was pulling right to let them pass, and then about 6 or more patrol cars pulled behind me blocking a small portion of I-5.  (Yea you can imagine my heart-rate quickly elevated!) The stop was quick as they came to my car window and realized we were clearly not the suspects and sent us on our way.  We weren’t the pair of black guys they were looking for and I’m sure this wasn’t racial profiling, but I’m so glad we were white! They seemed to know pretty well what/who they were looking for! Sadly I can’t help but think I inadvertently led them off track. I will say they were definitely out to get these guys though and I can’t imagine it will go on long before they do! 

    • WSB May 24, 2017 (9:30 am)

      Was that by Corson by any chance? Heard it on scanner but figured it was a false lead as police later said they were still looking.

      • SB May 24, 2017 (2:51 pm)

        Probably not… I was pulled off at the 3 lane closure which (I looked it up) would put me down near the 155 mile marker, much further south of Corson.  Or maybe that’s where I first drew interest?

  • Concerned west Seattle resident May 24, 2017 (9:26 am)

    After walking by 62nd and Alki last night , right through what seemed to be an open kegger or party , full of many young adults, primarily under aged teens. With the sweet aroma of a skunky substance and many open containers and teens drinking right out in public like it was no big deal. I wondered how a Alki party could go on all night uninterrupted by police presence as it normally would? At one point there were at least 100 kids partying on like it was normal without seeing one cop. I would imagine it took very long to get police on scene as it appeared they had to come from the WS bridge . I’m curious how long it took from 911 call until they arrived on scene? You could see the flashing lights have to come all the way around until arriving on scene. I cannot believe there was little if any police presence on Alki allowing a party at a public beach like this to go on so long. In my opinion it was just a matter of time before it escalated to violence . How could there be no police presence protecting families and all the many innocent children in range of this. I literally walk down there every evening and can’t believe the lack of police presence at our wonderful beach. There defiantly needs to be more presence and accountability . Unfortunately an event like this has to happen to get it ;( 

    • Alki Resident May 24, 2017 (4:02 pm)

      You clearly missed how the shooting happened if you’re going to blame the group at the BBQ for this happening.

  • Jethro Marx May 24, 2017 (9:29 am)

    Crime is a bummer; as someone with a modicum of intelligence, I realize that, like the poor, it will always be with us. Blaming the police or some random elected official is stupid, although I guess if you’re inclined that way it may make you feel better. If you don’t like living or dining out near the tourist enclave of Alki, don’t live or dine there. If you don’t like the “vibe” of people hanging out at the beach on a sunny day because they remind you of Los Angeles, or Tacoma, or Delridge or White Center, you’re just a racist @$#/*\e. Please stop living in West Seattle. As described, there was no criminal activity by anyone except the shooter.

    • AlkiArmageddon May 24, 2017 (9:42 am)

      Jethro, turning your back or just saying ‘it was not a crime’ dismisses the much bigger issue of how a summation of behaviors, attitudes, and intensities precipitate what happened last night. The fact is, there are a lot of activities that are illegal, such as speeding, drinking on the beach, smoking weed in public that are summarily overlooked. If you doubt this, walk along the beach in the morning, you will find tons of empty bottles and beer cans. Everyday. The result is a “vibe” that makes a public beach a dangerous beach. Stay focused on the actual issues and not what you perceive to be prejudices.

  • Donna May 24, 2017 (9:33 am)

    I have lived off of 63rd about a half a block behind Cactus now for about 5 years.  When I first moved in there was a shooting about two weeks later at the then Bamboo Grill.  I was shocked as I didn’t think that it would happen on Alki, but I was wrong, it had happened many times before that.  I can honestly say that the atmosphere and vibe of Alki has changed over the 5 years.  I went out last Friday night to Pegasus to get a salad to go, as I am moving out of West Seattle, and there was a feeling in the air, a charged atmosphere, not sure how to explain it, but for the first time I was actually nervous being out.  I saw about 40 or 50 motorcycles and with them gang members in groups with different jackets and throwing out different gang signs.  Needless to say I grabbed my salad and headed back home in a hurry.  I have never really seen much police presence, maybe a few years ago they had their police van on alki parked.  and there were several police walking around, but never nearly enough for the amounts of people that come there.  Why is it that they allow such a large gathering at 9pm on a week night for gods sake.  The police should have been there and broken the gathering up and asking people to move on.  I say it is their fault that something like this happened last night.  I am glad that I am moving north and out of the City of Seattle.  Good luck everyone.

  • Junction Lady May 24, 2017 (9:37 am)

    We need to take a few leads from a big city like NYC on how to avert crime and clean up Seattle!  We lack unprofessionalism.  Our priorities are askew.  Who cares about filling potholes when tent towns are looming around too many corners.  When the sun comes out the crowds gather and some lose their heads and crimes happen.  How many years does it take for SPD to make their presence known during these annually recurring incidents that turn a beautiful place into violence run amok!

  • T Rex May 24, 2017 (10:00 am)

    So now because we recognize certain neighborhoods or parts of LA for what they are, areas of increased crime we are racists. You Jethro are the perfect example of the new PC culture. And I don’t give a damn what you think of me or my views. I call it like I see it. They are gangsters and thugs that resemble other areas known for the high crime. 

    Every summer there is violence at this beach because of these type of “parties” as they like to call them. They almost always end of in violence of some sort.  The people who live down there should expect some sort of peace regardless of the weather don’t you think? Maybe one day, they just take back their neighborhood in the old fashioned way, by fighting back. Maybe just maybe if all of us neighbors let them know they are not welcome unless they can play nice, they get to leave and not come back.

     “As described, there was no criminal activity by anyone except the shooter”.  We will never know if this a true statement or not because I can guarantee NO ONE in that group will rat their “buddies” out, even if they kill someone. They lead pathetic lifestyles with pathetic results. Period.

     

    • Alex May 24, 2017 (10:52 am)

      Yeah, welcome to the new world where simply recounting one’s own experience, or describing the reality of the situation somehow suddenly becomes “racism”.

      You know what’s really racist? No snitching.  A creed which guarantees that the cycle of violence and poverty will continue, and a large number of already disadvantaged young men will lose their lives before they reach 30.

      That’s real racism. 

      • Jethro Marx May 24, 2017 (12:16 pm)

        Oh, and Alex, you’re just plain wrong; that’s not racism.  That’s just a different cultural phenomenon that you don’t agree with.  I bet that you, like me, have some levels to that feeling, too.  If one witnesses a shooting, yes, snitch away.  But just the other day I had to explain to my three-year-old that it’s not really appropriate to snitch on the other kid at daycare who took extra goldfish at snacktime.  It’s a good thing snitching isn’t “real racism” because that would have been a much more involved conversation.

    • Jethro Marx May 24, 2017 (12:09 pm)

      I can’t address your scattered logic or atrocious grammar en masse because it would make this reply too long so I’ll pick a couple things.

      1. You’re not racist for recognizing that crime, like a viral outbreak, has geography; you, like me, are racist because you grew up (presumably) in a country founded and enriched via racist practices and culture.  Notably, we decided Native Americans were sub-human savages, stole their s/^# and raped and murdered them indiscriminately.  We more or less did the same with black people, although we also decided we should own them and that started a long chain of ill-gotten wealth that continues.  That sucks but it’s not really what we’re talking about here.  You, unlike me, seem proud of your racism and also in denial of it, which is crazy but common.  We can’t change the past or the way it and our upbringing shaped us, but we can decide how we treat people who aren’t like us and it’s a good idea to generally treat them kindly.  

      2. Man, I love being the perfect example of something, but I’m too old and irreverent to be part of a “new PC culture.”  Do the other people you view as politically correct start their harangues with quotes from Jesus?  Political correctness is indeed ridiculous; ranting about taking our neighborhoods back the old-fashioned way is also ridiculous.  That won’t stop the violence, now, will it?  You can’t stop it, that’s my point.  We can try to have different attitudes towards people of color enjoying a “party” in a public space created for people to have “parties” in and people of color firing guns at other people.  That wouldn’t make us not racist, but at least it would make us not racist a$$/o7es.

      • Elle Nell May 24, 2017 (8:40 pm)

        Jethro- 👍🏼👍🏼… teach em brother!! 

      • Teri Ensley May 26, 2017 (3:38 pm)

        Well said Jethro.

  • AlkiArmageddon May 24, 2017 (10:12 am)

    Its the elephant in the room. 

    Its a police matter. The only way to persuade these people is with the law. What am I going to do when some dudes are sitting in their car in my front yard finishing off a 5th or smoking weed? Reason with him? Ask him to please consume his drugs and alcohol elsewhere? Get real, its not my business to police the neighborhood, the police would 100% agree. The last thing I want is a conflict, I just want to feel safe in my own home. 911 does. not. work. The non-emergency line is. useless. 

    The fact that I cannot walk down the street after 6pm with my wife and toddler without tough looks, derogatory remarks to my wife, and the general anxiety of thugs and motorcycle jetting down the strip is totally ridiculous, yet its accepted. It is pathetic that a few bad apple take over the neighborhood after 4pm when all the families and beach-goers leave.

    And to all the people who want to bury your head- don’t tell me I should get used to it, it has always been this way, or move. How about not throwing up your arms pathetically to thugs, violence, and drugs? I grew up around the beach and this new level of intimidation ruins it for EVERYONE. You simply are not aware it doesn’t have to be like this, most recreation areas are not like this. Residents and the 99% of beach goers who come to Alki to relax should have to worry about fights or gunfire. 

    Imagine that.

    • Dandelion May 24, 2017 (1:22 pm)

      Alki Armageddon and TRex, agree with you 100%.  We make sure to leave the beach area by 4pm or earlier and we live here!  I will not apologize for calling thugs thugs.  Please help untie the hands of the police in this city by voting accordingly.

  • KT May 24, 2017 (10:19 am)

    Every year it takes an incident such as this or a major disturbance to get SPD to remember that Alki Beach in the summer is not the same as Alki Beach in the winter and needs a police presence. I doubt there is a police agency in this country who hasn’t grasped that a beach area in the summer demands police resources. With over 1,200 cops in this city, they can’t get coverage on Alki Beach? Now there will be all kinds of meetings and all kinds of political posturing but nothing will change. Our Chief of Police is trying to figure out how to fix policing in Ireland. Our Mayor and City Council show zero public support of the police. For that matter, there seems to be a general feeling in Seattle that people only want cops when they need them. And what will our City Councilor do to fix this situation in our neighborhood? Join the meetings and posturing or actually stand up and demand action and not stand down until it is done?

  • Sassy May 24, 2017 (10:20 am)

    SPD needs to bring back their Mobile Unit that stays at Alki (seems like it’s been gone for many years now) – don’t recall all of these issues down there when it was a visual & consistent presence. 
    We lived down there at the time the Mobile Unit was there, and no issues like this.

    Just drunk & disorderly folks from time to time. Now that a young man has lost his life, I hope that SPD starts to take this seriously. WS residents will not and should not put up with this. 

  • North of Admiral May 24, 2017 (10:20 am)

    Are the cameras along Alki that were installed a few years back being utilized? I remember the uproar some neighbors had about them but boy would they be helpful in situations like this. 

    • WSB May 24, 2017 (10:21 am)

      See upthread. No.

  • AmandaK(H) May 24, 2017 (10:20 am)

    Nothing like a large crowd of black and brown people to make white people nervous.  Black and brown people socialize differently than we do –  often at large public parties where lots of people come together, grill food, and hang out.  You know, use the provided public spaces for their intended purposes.  Sometimes, bad things happen – but not every time.  If you see someone doing something illegal, call the police.  But if you just “have a feeling”, let that go.

    I am appalled at the racist comments on this blog couched as concern.

    • herongrrrl May 24, 2017 (12:02 pm)

      Exactly this.

    • KT May 24, 2017 (4:49 pm)

      Seriously “sometimes bad things happen”.  Wow.  I guess you can call someone getting killed a “bad thing” but seems a bit of an understatement.

    • Kathy May 24, 2017 (8:26 pm)

      If I were a black or brown person, I think I would take offense at your assumption about how I socialize. Did you really mean to stereotype people of color while chastising others for doing the same thing?

      • Imagine65 May 25, 2017 (12:04 pm)

        Kathy – yes.  The  statement about how people socialize:  Ouch!

    • Teri Ensley May 26, 2017 (3:40 pm)

      Exactly…on all of your points.

  • Matt May 24, 2017 (10:21 am)

    This spring I’ve noticed an increased amount of gang tags in this area.  Surprised no one is talking about that, other than most people don’t know the difference between gang tags and graffiti tags.

  • Julia May 24, 2017 (10:24 am)

    Seattle Times reported this morning that the victim died at HMC at 9:30 pm. 

  • WSGirl May 24, 2017 (10:44 am)

    How is it racist if it’s true?! 

  • Just a Dad May 24, 2017 (10:51 am)

    I don’t usually chime in on these threads, but i’m feeling compelled this morning. I feel so fortunate to have grown up and live in West Seattle. First, as a dad that has known the pain of losing a child, I ache for the mother and family that is going through that new pain today. Second, as a dad with two boys that work near the shooting location, I’m painfully aware there is good and bad everywhere. One of my boy’s got off work as the shooting occurred just one block away, and the other is down there now starting his shift. Am I worried? You bet. But would they be safer working elsewhere? Probably not.

    They’ll catch the scum that took a young man’s life last night and he (yeah, assumptive) will spend a lot of time in prison. For those feeling compassion for the shooter because of lack of familial love/support, presence of misguidance, and generational oppression, my message is simple. Your concerns are valid, but at some point, an individual must make a decision to be accountable and choose a better path. That doesn’t fix entrenched, systemic inequities, but it’s a great place to start. I see no distinction in gang violence, elicit drug sales and even a part of our homeless population. There is a personal accountability we seem to refuse to embrace and enforce as a municipality. I’d encourage you to vote carefully on the next City Council vote.

    To those painting last night’s group with a broad South Central brush, my message is simple. If I had the cash, I’d put a huge amount down on you really liking a lot of the folks at that BBQ last night if you really had the chance to know them (void of a bad guy with a gun). Different culture maybe? Definitely. Might you walk away from that experience feeling enriched. Probably. You mention “thugs”. Yeah, there was that. But they come in all sizes, colors and hair cuts. In the end, it’s really just another term for bad guys. Just be careful not to incorporate culture into that negative connotation, knowing there were some people (probably a whole lot) in that crowd that were awesome.

    The bottom line, there are good guys and there are bad guys. I believe there are a lot more good guys (and gals) than bad guys and wherever we live, West Seattle, Columbia City, Queen Anne, Greenwood, the same is true. Sometimes the bad guys suck up all the attention. So what do we do? Good.

    • Stephanie May 24, 2017 (2:24 pm)

      I can attest to the fact that there were a whole LOT of good people at that BBQ. Anybody walking by would have been cheerfully welcomed to hang out. about 99% of the people there are straitlaced, hardworking, kind, good people: business owners, parents, people who serve their communities… I know them personally and was there. Of course all them having grown up together, worked together or just known each other for YEARS there were some people in there that live alternative lifestyles, were not gonna just kick them out because of the life they live. Many of them are good people despite their lifestyle choices, people are mulitfacted and complex. This incident had NOTHING to do with the BBQ or anyone at it other than the victim. This was a targeted killing that could have happened anywhere those planning it found him. He just happened to stop by the BBQ and say hi. People suggesting more cops breaking  up the group or harassing them would have solved the problem don’t understand how street life works. It can catch up to people any time, any place. 

    • Elle Nell May 24, 2017 (8:48 pm)

      Just a Dad-

      beautiful.

    • Bee May 25, 2017 (12:52 pm)

      Just a Dad, thank you for saying this. 

  • Linda May 24, 2017 (10:58 am)

    We were also on Alki the other night and it did seem intimidating. We have lived in West Seattle since 1965 and I personally was a part of the big crowds of the 70s. It was packed! Parking was allowed all along Alki then and getting through took forever! But in my brothers GTO with Steve Miller blasting on the stereo, it was heaven and we were cool. There were crimes then too although we didnt have  the media we have now. Usually we just read about it in the West Seattle Herald. We noticed the cars are different, not as cool lol, the music is different, definately not as cool lol and there seems to be a certain disrespect for the adults and the community that we didnt dare attempt back then. While eating in Cristos, our fav place, the music from a car in front was so loud we couldnt hear what it was and it was very disrespectful to the restaurant and patrons. Its very very sad what happened here last night, and while it wasnt random it a good reminder to teach our kids what reapect is and how to deal with problems sensibly rather than with violence. Hard to do these days with our country at war and so much media instilling fear and paranoid. The solution starts at home and hopefully the shooter will face some tough consequences very soon. Sad:(

  • WSB May 24, 2017 (11:02 am)

    For those interested in what will happen beyond the investigation:

    The gun-violence briefing at City Council just ended. While much of it was obviously the prescheduled briefing put together days ago, before it ended, councilmembers asked repeatedly about last night’s shooting death and what will be done now both in terms of crime prevention and in terms of answering neighbors’/residents’ questions. I’m writing it up and will add the link in this thread when done, hopefully less than half an hour.  I also have spoken with SW Precinct regarding the mobile precinct, which was asked about at the  briefing too. – Tracy

    • Stephanie May 24, 2017 (2:13 pm)

      This was a targeted killing, not an incident that could have been prevented with more police patrols. The people that did this came to do a specific thing, there was no argument or issue before hand and it had nothing to do with the large BBQ going on nearby. Its a case of a covert lifestyle spilling into the streets. 

  • wetone May 24, 2017 (11:04 am)

    Sad deal and feel for the victims family. But all this can and should be blamed on Seattle Government’s  Political Correctness Ideology. Very longtime WS resident growing up on Alki  (60’s 70’s 80’s)with parents still living there, myself living in junction area now. Our family and friends have watched Alki, along with rest of Seattle decline greatly over past decade. Alki has almost zero police presents on hot nights and what police in area do very little. It’s not police officers fault !!! it’s their leaders. Police officers are doing what their told. No presents, warnings, tickets or jail time for law breakers these days as it would show a real picture of how swell Seattle’s PC policy’s work, and real numbers of illegal/criminal activity.  Back in the day when good weather came SPD with the narc’s (undercover) drove and walked beach area hitting it hard. If you respected and listened to officer when caught doing illegal activity (drinking/smoking weed) or doing something stupid, you’d get a warning and told to leave, if you were cocky you got ticket, jail and sometimes an attitude adjustment.  With current city council and our Seattle police chief having 2 jobs, one being overseas I only see things getting worse.  We take our summer evening walks elsewhere these days as Alki ‘s issues continue to grow……       

  • Sean May 24, 2017 (11:04 am)

    Please, people!!  If you feel the least bit threatened by someone – whether it be intimidating behavior, unwanted loitering,  unsafe driving patterns, music turned up too loud, rowdy behavior, something or a feeling of ‘not right’ – whatever it is – PLEASE call the police!  It does not need to be an emergency.  Had everyone called the police who noticed suspicious attitudes and behaviors beforehand, AND called police, there might have been a better outcome.  

    • Stephanie May 24, 2017 (2:09 pm)

      This was targeted killing that had nothing to do with the BBQ or alcohol. The kid was a known shooter, this was some sort of revenge.  “Street justice” Its sad all the way around but this was gonna happen with or without more police on alki. He was at the BBQ getting ready to leave and got ran up on, no argument, no issue. The BBQs this group throws are always peaceful and good vibes. This was a bad incident that just happened to take place near by because of a lifestyle.

  • PeanutGallery May 24, 2017 (11:07 am)

    There are a lot of negative comments about SPD here and I want to counter and say that I have noticed an uptick in their presence along Alki.  Friday, early evening, ~5PM, I was shocked by how many police were out.  People need to keep in mind that we have finite bodies in the police department.  When they’re patrolling Alki, they don’t have as many cars to patrol for neighborhood break-ins.  

    I think, considering how small our police force is, and how much crime has increased, that they are doing a good job.  I also think that our police force is more accessible and friendly than police forces in larger cities (I’m saying this as an ex-New Yorker).  We’ve had car break-ins and vandalism on our street.  The cops were there within 20 minutes–which I think is excellent for a low-priority crime that had already happened.  The guys who came out were both pleasant, business-like, and didn’t waste time.  I’ll take that over NYC cops any day.

    There’s always room for improvement and we probably need a bigger force and larger gang unit, but let’s give the guys and gals some kudos for what they accomplish.  It’s a tough job and I don’t envy them.  

  • Alki resident May 24, 2017 (11:16 am)

    Here’s the sad part; it’s going to take a stray bullet hitting one of our resident kids to be a big enough tragedy to get us up in arms!  

    Its unbelievable that our little Alki neighborhood can turn into a thug fest so fast. Why the hell cant the police have a presence down here????

    They are thugs and it has nothing to do with race. Thugs are thugs as gangsters are gangsters.

    my son is on the beach everyday and I don’t feel safe anymore. 

  • ts May 24, 2017 (11:20 am)

    Seems like if police enforced the laws on several nice days in the beginning, the problem would solve itself. If people know they will get a ticket and a check for warrants, it may discourage those looking to cause trouble.  A lot of illegal behavior has already been stated above. SPD could cite people for smoking pot and drinking in public, cruising, noise violations, vehicle modification, illegal parking, speeding and reckless driving in some places, etc. Easier said than done, I know. There are politics involved and a finite number of officers.

  • Tom May 24, 2017 (11:20 am)

    Shooting at Alk beach. This local resident is not surprised because the police refuse to be proactive by ticketing loud cars and bikes which creates an atmosphere of lawlessness. Yes, I’ve asked – face to face – with many local cops and they all outright refuse to enforce the laws against loud noises and disturbing the peace. In Whatcom County, the feds finally stepped in to break up bike gangs. This could be avoided if the criminals knew they were not being tolerated at the most basic level – noise. Instead they are being enabled by a “Hey, it’s not a bike if it isn’t loud.” attitude of cops. I’m talking here about bikes and cars that are louder than busses. Some set off car alarms.

    More cops, more cameras, more expensive vehicles? No, just cops who will do their duty to protect the peace. 

    Tom

    Alki

    • Seattlite May 24, 2017 (12:19 pm)

      Tom… Did Seattle just pass a law: “The City Council voted Monday to enshrine in the Seattle Municipal Code the rights of the public to observe, record and criticize police activity — without fear of retaliation.” Law enforcement cannot do their jobs anymore.  Seattle doesn’t want law and order.

      • Elle Nell May 24, 2017 (9:03 pm)

        Uhh, I’m confused… how does being recorded keep the police from doing their job..??? Hmmmm I guess the bigger question is WHY.

  • shminger May 24, 2017 (11:21 am)

    The significant increase in graffiti/tags, petty crime, vehicle theft and now shootings are what begin to raise concerns about large public gatherings of people, whether at Alki or Hamilton Viewpoint or other areas.  If there were no incidents, others walking by were treated friendly, vehicles/motorcycles weren’t unsafely speeding through, and alcohol/drugs weren’t being consumed illegally in open public spaces, then the level of concern would not exist.  The gatherings are not illegal or a threat… the behavior being practiced at these gatherings is illegal and a threat.

    I am confident that the majority of people on this blog are not voicing their concerns based on racist intentions.  Instead, they are using this forum to express their fear based on what are now real threats to safety.  How the City & SPD respond, with influence from West Seattle residents, is what is now important.

  • Pedro May 24, 2017 (11:30 am)

    Just A Dad – great comments.

    My only thought is: why, if you are a good person, do you hang out with a gang banging POS bad guy? its not like they aren’t hard to spot based on their behavior – if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck – it’s probably a duck. You can substitute duck for thug, bad guy, or whatever (while perhaps changing “quacks” to “talks”). 


    I suspect after this we may finally see more police down on Alki. At least one would hope.



     

  • Concerned West Seattlite May 24, 2017 (11:35 am)

    This is so crazy. We don’t need to have compassion and worry about “name calling” for a murderer. That what he is, he shot someone, they died, and now family and friends need to grieve the loss of the friend/family member. Lack of discipline is only going to lead to more crime. period.

  • West Seattle Hipster May 24, 2017 (11:36 am)

    The police department does a great job, but our revolving door judicial system fails society.

  • Boats May 24, 2017 (11:54 am)

    Why do folks here try to make a point that ‘these people aren’t from here’???  I mean honestly, it’s exasperating.  First of all, yes, they very well might be from precious, precious West Sea!  Also, what’s the difference where they live?!?!?!  If the end result is crime, shootings, burglary, whatever… what’s the difference?

  • James May 24, 2017 (11:58 am)

    I always enjoyed going to Alki when I was little. Such a shame that a person/group can spoil everything for such a great community.

  • K May 24, 2017 (12:50 pm)

    Why are people blaming the police? The only person that should be blamed is the person that pulled the trigger. One individual had to ruin it for everyone.

    • Josh May 24, 2017 (1:05 pm)

      Marijuana has nothing to do with gun violence. That is an irresponsible statement. Stupid people who own guns are the problem here.

  • Ol Skool May 24, 2017 (1:59 pm)

    The new “ultra PC” is what lets incidents like this occur. How many full time Alki residents witnessed the lead up party to this killing and didn’t call 911 because they didn’t want to feel or be perceived as racist? And if the police had been called would they have even been able to act on any of the illegal behaviors without being accused of profiling? I grew up in WS and have been going to Alki since the 80’s. It’s much worse now than it was in the early 90’s when gangs and drive by’s were at their peak. I won’t take my wife down there on a hot day, and I tell my sons to stay away from there.

    Call what you saw down there last night whatever you want, but ask yourself this, why does this activity not happen at Madison Park beach, and if it did do you think the homeowners there would allow it? Criminals know where they have a better chance of getting away with things and use it to their advantage. 

    Theres no homeless problem in Bellevue.

    Just my 2 cents.

  • Cw May 24, 2017 (2:41 pm)

    I have been going to alki since I was little before gangs came to Seattle shootings have occurred there in the 70s until present it has nothing to do with gangs and minorities . I’m a black woman and I’ve seen alot of things going on at alki even homicides when I was a little girl. I’m 48 now. So don’t put minorities and gangs in the mix it’s a ritual unfortunately in Seattle Washington that this occurs soon as the sun comes out right before holidays people lose their loved ones. Period. 

  • GLove May 24, 2017 (2:52 pm)

    May all beings be blessed with peace, safety, and Love. 

  • J-RU May 24, 2017 (3:11 pm)

    These groups or gangs, whatever, have been creating user conflicts at the Don Armeni boat ramp for that last few years. They block the actual boat ramp with their cars as if they have no idea what the actual use of the facility is for and they may not! Even so, they certainly are not paying the 12 bucks to use any part of this facility. I reported this to the Parks Department when purchasing my seasonal boat pass and let them know that conflicts were escalating. I was told to call parking patrol for this or the cops because they have no triggers or staff for this kind of thing. I am going to start 4wheeling over these loud muffler, slant-wheelin’ cars soon if something isn’t done about this! Rediculous. Here you go parks, $150 pass so I can try to get shot instead of catch fish and Dungeness. Hmmmm, speedbumps and lots of paint denoting boat ramp perhaps! Hardware store, 3 workers, 1day.

  • Bobby b May 24, 2017 (4:00 pm)

     Why is it that there are more parking enforcement on Alki then there are police officers?

  • alki mom May 24, 2017 (4:03 pm)

    This is what happens in a country where anyone can have a gun. Shootings in schools, shootings on the beach, at the mall, in movie theaters, if you honk at the wrong person on the road… Nowhere feels safe anymore, but honestly, that’s what a country gets for allowing anyone to own a fire arm.

    • WSB May 24, 2017 (4:17 pm)

      The victim has been identified by the Medical Examiner’s Office and we’ve added his name to the story above.

  • Samuella Samaniego May 24, 2017 (4:56 pm)

    To the family and other loved ones of this young man who died from last nite’s gun violence on Alki, please accept my heartfelt condolences. My small family and i send you love and peace in the days and months to come. I can only pray this young man’s last vision was of the brilliant dark blue sky and bay illuminated by stars and the lights of a handsome cityscape. I pray that by some miracle the sky and water remained in his mind as he came to terms with what had just happened to him. I pray a lovely sky and salt filled air led him to somehow sense he was not entirely alone.  More than anything i hope that in the moment maybe his heart beat strong and long enough so he might be filled with memories of a life full of embraces, text messages, kisses, handshakes, emails and all other gestures toward him that gave him the certainty of knowing he truly mattered in this world.

    To the shooting victim’s Mom; as you read people’s remarks and opinions in search of answers, for every comment that hurts to the bone upon your review please know there are dozens and dozens of others who ache a little more today when they realize, even in their most private moments, they cannot begin to imagine how you feel and how you will bear the heartbreak of outliving your son.

    I’ve been around in life and in work….trust that from the bottom of my heart, i am not naive in my hopes and prayers that the greater good can keep you and yours centered and strong in your ascent to climb a hill that has become more steep. Love, peace. Always.

    • Imagine65 May 24, 2017 (7:37 pm)

      Lovely sentiments and I agree 100%.

    • KD May 24, 2017 (11:04 pm)

      Beautiful. You are blessed with a sweet spirit and awesome. (You can write for me anytime!) Thankyou 

  • 35 year alki resident May 24, 2017 (5:41 pm)

    It does not have to be this way, and it was not always  been like this. 

      I have lived in the Alki neighborhood for over 35 years.  In the early ’80s, before the high bridge went in, WS and Alki were very quiet. There was one place in Alki that served alcohol, but only with food, and it closed at 10pm.  There were few crime problems. The closest SPD precinct office was downtown.

      By the late ’80s the new bridge was in, beach crowds expanded, restaurants, bars, and nighlife increased.  Alki became more fun, but it attracted more people. Gangs started showing up, and shootings started to happen, especially around the time the weather got warm each Spring.   

       In response, each Spring as the weather improved, SPD started to parked its very large motorhome-sized “mobile precinct” by the beach, &  added its horse patrol on busy weekends.  The obvious police presence caused gangs to stop showing up, and the related shootings stopped.  This went on for several years, and worked great.

    Then SPD opened its West Precinct on Delridge.  Alki was suddenly deemed “too close” to a precinct office to warrant dedication of a mobile precinct, so there was no longer a constant gang deterrent at Alki. The mobile previnct was often staffed all night long.

      Since then, there has been a limited “preventive” police presence each spring, until the first shooting. Then, each year, SPD reacts to the first shootung by sending a noticeable police presence, (and sometimes a mobile precinct), often for the rest of the summer.  

      My thought is that SPD should plan to START each summer with a pro-active “preventive police presence” at Alki, to keep the knuckleheads away, and not wait each spring until bullets fly, or someone gets killed.  

      I know SPD has lots to do, but Alki is a magnet for kids and families, and deserves special attention.  Most shootings have occured at night, but not all. Little kids are at great risk.  This can change with an annual focussed deterrent-level SPD actions, that dont stop at sundown. It worked before, and it can work again.

  • FixerUpper May 24, 2017 (6:10 pm)

    +1 on 33 Year’s comments. I live in Alki. Was walking on Saturday and noticed that there was zero police presence visible at the beach. Was walking on Sunday and saw one police officer. I think that a modest increase in police visibility was is needed. This may not directly have to do with the shooting, but certainly it will get rid of a lot of the nonsense going on. First up is they should start giving out $100 tickets for littering. 

  • John May 24, 2017 (6:20 pm)

    I am a Black American homeowner living in West Seattle.  When I go to the water I go to Lincoln Park mainly because it’s more subdued and there are more brown-skinned people like myself.  I can take a walk alone or with any of my family members without being looked at like I don’t belong.   This is not the case at Alki.  Someone mentioned earlier people who look like me giving mean looks or scowling.  Well, when people treat you like you don’t belong or don’t have the same right to enjoy the beauty around us,  what kind of look do you expect us to have on our face?  A great big smile?  “Thank you for making me feel like a second class citizen”, is that what you’re expecting?  Not likely.  I really don’t condone the violence but I don’t expect the police to clean up the mess that society started and just ignores.  People say this is a “liberal” city,  Horse Hockey!  It is no better than any other town.  Just read the comments…no talk of lack of opportunity or the lack of education that is at the heart of the problems in this state and this country.   As I said, I’m a homeowner of color in West Seattle, I have a family, a job, I give back by mentoring in some of the poorest neighborhoods in Seattle.  One thing I know for sure, even as an educated Black American who has achieved a measure of success (without being involved in the sports or entertainment industry) I do NOT have the same basic rights as any white American of ANY status.  This is a fact.  You want to face something, face that.  After reading these post,  you NEVER have to worry about my children or myself being down on Alki.  Like most Black Americans, my biggest fear is being shot by some woman who was afraid of the “big black guy dressed like a gang banger” as I bleed out in a pool of blood still wearing my cardigan!  Now I know it could happen here…thanks for the heads up.

    • Jethro Marx May 24, 2017 (8:43 pm)

      Good lord, that’s depressing, John.  I feel a little stupid now, having spouted off a bunch of thoughts about what racism is like and realizing that not only have I not experienced it but I am not used to hearing a first-hand account of what it’s like out there if you’re black.  I guess most of us commenting are probably white middlish-class folks, skewing a bit liberal, and we imagine more progress than has been made.  I’ve lived in a variety of diverse Seattle neighborhoods over the past seventeen years and I can’t think of a single close acquaintance who’s black.  That’s not by design and it’s probably not by coincidence either.  I guess it’s good that you feel more welcome at Lincoln Park; other than that, what can I say?  It’s easier for me to see racism in an online comment than in the course of a regular day walking around town.  I guess we all ought to face what needs to be faced.

    • Imagine65 May 24, 2017 (10:56 pm)

      John, thank you for this statement.  In reading all 180 comments in this thread, my impression is that people are having trouble seeing past their own preconceived notions.  Stephanie has repeatedly tried to explain that the BBQ party was not the “cause” of the shooting, but others persist in characterizing the people at the party, and others nearby, in coded racial terms. There is a lot of fear. I admire your honesty.

    • HappyOnAlki May 25, 2017 (9:02 am)

      John, thank you for your honesty. That this is the reality for so many people really sucks. 

    • Teri Ensley May 26, 2017 (3:59 pm)

      Hi John.  Thank you for speaking to white privilege and pointing out the unfair, hurtful, choice limiting impact that racism and prejudice have on you and your family. 

      I hope many of the posters on this thread will absorb your words and experience; and perhaps change the lens they are looking through.    With that being said…it is not your job to educate us (white people). We need to educate ourselves; learn how we are negatively impacted people of color and change OUR behavior. 

  • Mikey May 24, 2017 (7:31 pm)

    I have lived in WS my entire life and walk Alki many times a week. I walked right through the party going on last night , as it was from the bulkhead to the shelter and the only option rather then going up around. I thought , man there must be at least a hundred teenagers partying and many holding beer or booze in their hands out in the open with zero concern also the pleasant skunky flower smell was thick , mmmm. I thought man where are all the usual police at to break something like this up ? Before something bad happens . Sure enough an hour later it did. After the many gunshots it took forever to see a cop car. It finally was heard way down at the other end of the beach , flying as fast as possible to get there . But my point is , there wasn’t any police present most of my walk along the beach. It would have been ugly if they were needed swiftly. Why has police presence diminished greatly on Alki . Why don’t these parties get under control sooner ? To protect all the little children all around it and innocent people being put in harms way? It defiantly contributes to the boldness to do such a horrible horrible life ending deed. What is it going to take?

    • Seattlite May 25, 2017 (7:06 pm)

      Mikey — SPD as all law enforcement across this nation cannot effectively do their jobs to protect you or themselves: 

      “In a decision affecting everyday street encounters, a federal judge Friday approved new policies aimed at curbing biased policing by Seattle officers and setting rules for how and when they stop and frisk people.

      The policies, effective Jan. 31, represent another major step in the court-ordered reform effort for the Seattle Police Department, setting new standards that will be felt throughout the city.

      Combined with a detailed new policy on use of force adopted Jan. 1, the new policies address the key remaining issues outlined in a 2012 settlement agreement between the city and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The settlement followed an investigation that found Seattle police officers routinely used excessive force, most often against people of color and the psychologically or chemically impaired.”    New Seattle Ordinance:  “The only exceptions are when an observer hinders, delays or compromises legitimate police activity, threatens someone’s safety or attempts to incite other people to violence, according to the ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Lisa Herbold.”

  • AlkiResident60years May 24, 2017 (8:18 pm)

    John,

    I’m so sorry that’s your experience of Alki. We aren’t all like that. 

  • Mariem May 24, 2017 (10:55 pm)

    Prayers for the victim and his family. 


    As as far as spd not taking action or under patrolling because of lack of resources or being fearful: could some of the many officers on traffic/ticket patrol be moved to more important duties that more directly impact public safety?

    • Nicole May 25, 2017 (5:52 am)

      Mariem – I agree with your comments – maybe resources can be shifted to provide us with coverage when we need it. Council Member Herbold has office hours this Friday at the senior center from 2-7pm. Please drop in, or send her office a note and let her know how you would like us to advocate for our community.  

      https://www.seattle.gov/council/herbold

  • Jeannie May 24, 2017 (10:56 pm)

    Here we are all complaining and condemning. It helps to let off steam, and to share our thoughts and our anger, but how many of you have contacted the Chief of Police, our “mayor,” the City Council, etc. to express your frustration and concerns? We need more policing, we need tougher enforcement. I believe the city is having trouble recruiting police officers – maybe part of the problem is that they can’t afford to live here! And I get the impression that their hands are pretty much tied when it comes to enforcing the law.

    By the way, why are the cameras that were installed not in use? We paid for them – why isn’t the city using them?

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to send some emails to The Powers That Be.

    • Nicole May 25, 2017 (5:44 am)

      Jennie – CM Herbold has office hours on Friday at the senior center. Also – at yesterday’s committee mtg she asked for more patrols, and the police said yes. For more details, watch yesterday’s committee mtg. Thank you for your suggestions at connecting with our local leadership. 

      I also just realized that there is something called an Alki Community Council – do you know anything about it? I don’t and I will be attending their next mtg which I believe is on 6/15. 

      • WSB May 25, 2017 (7:35 am)

        We’ve been reporting on the ACC (and other community councils around West Seattle) here for a decade. Couldn’t get to last week’s meeting, but we always have the preview in the daily lineup (last week, for example, crime/safety was a spotlight topic), and a standing listing in our calendar. It’s a small all-volunteer citizens’ group like most community/neighborhood councils and could always use more participation. They meet most months on third Thursdays, 7 pm, Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

  • Jeannie May 24, 2017 (11:23 pm)

    Here’s what I wrote to the city council, the mayor, and our SW Precinct Liaison (I couldn’t find an email address for our Chief of Police): I am a strong supporter of the police, who put their lives on the line and often don’t get the respect they deserve. 

    But what the heck is going on around Alki Beach? Just a few days ago, a young man was murdered. People are afraid to walk along our beautiful beach after sunset. Cars full of idiots cruise and burn rubber, creating huge clouds of foul, choking exhaust.
    We need more cops around Alki. And they should be empowered to enforce the law – including suspected gang activity, and, yes, burning rubber.
    I have no problem with large groups of young people gathering for a barbecue, playing music and just having fun. But I am disgusted with the jerks who crawl out of the woodwork as soon as the weather is nice and wreak havoc. This is NOT racial profiling – this kind of behavior is not limited to any particular group.
    WHY aren’t more officers patrolling Alki? Why aren’t they given more power to enforce the law? And why are the cameras that were installed not in use?

  • KD May 24, 2017 (11:28 pm)

    John, as others said, Thankyou for your honesty, and no, it’s not the first time I’ve heard that and am very cognizant of the frustration you live while others with white priveledge auras go on without empathy of the rights you have to walk where you choose. As a female in society I can relate on the restrictions and cautions to be aware and actions and harassment just for being female. Don’t take this wrong, I don’t want to sound like ‘white savior’ but my heart immediately felt like; ‘John and Family, let’s all gather and WALK that beach together, the beauty and gem of WSea/Alki belongs to you and me the same (albeit Lincoln Park is the stupendous bomb too!) and be damned the toads that got a stick up their rears for the glances that you endure. You have ownership to walk and enjoy as a good citizen. Ticks me off you have to change patterns and destinations, but I hear ya. I know. Give it a try again. It’s your beach beauty you own too.

  • TheWiserOne May 25, 2017 (12:45 am)

    John thank you for your honesty about your family’s experience.  As a white woman with tri-racial kids I’m scared to death of what might happen to them coming into their teen years. Alki was safe just 5 years ago.  I am constantly on both sides of the coin, educating people about culture and changes and then educating the wealthier about police brutality, mass incarceration, broken legal system, homelessness, domestic violence etc. All these things from loss of family values, babysitter generations, and whatnot that’s contributed to mass incarceration, inequality of opportunity, biased feelings, criminalizing people without understanding what created the mindset they’re making choices with, or the lack of parental influence, etc. people make choices yes there are consequences, but you should never be punished or denied anything just for the color of your skin. And there are lots of people like me who do not fear people based on visual prenotions. The one thing people can do is teach their children culture after they first learn it for themselves. 

  • TheWiserOne May 25, 2017 (12:58 am)

    To Jordan’s mother. 

    Idk y but my post last night didn’t appear. 

    I am so sorry for your loss. After talking with my son who is away at college, Jordan and he had a mutual friend in common from either grade or middle school & or sports. So there’s a good chance our paths have crossed as well as mothers. It’s not fair, no mother should have to go through the loss of a child. My heart just breaks for you. I pray you’ll find peace in knowing God has a reason that Jordan was needed, and taken way too soon.  And I send you prayers, hugs and love from one mother to another. It really does take a village. 

  • Nicole May 25, 2017 (6:06 am)

    Council Member Herbold has office hours at the Senior Center on Friday from 2pm – 7pm. Please stop by, or make an appointment to let her know that we need her to advocate for safe communities in West Seattle. Alki residents should not be afraid to enjoy the beach on sunny days. 

    Here is a link to Herbold’s website – drop her a line and let her know that we would like increased foot and bike patrols on sunny days. 

    https://www.seattle.gov/council/herbold

    Also, here is a link to yesterday’s committee mtg where increased gun violence was addressed. Herbold attended the mtg to ask for additional patrols. 

    http://www.seattlechannel.org/mayor-and-council/city-council/2016/2017-gender-equity-safe-communities-and-new-americans-committee?videoid=x76446

    • WSB May 25, 2017 (7:08 am)

      We published a separate story about that yesterday. I do need to add the video to it, though, thanks for the link.

  • Anonymous May 25, 2017 (11:48 am)

    No updates…is the city hoping this just ‘blows over?’ 

    I am considering moving out of this area and I’ve spoken to numerous others who state the same. Then guess what happens! 

    We move out, the high end condos won’t be rented, housing prices will plummet and our little slice of heaven will be overtaken by this. This will become an extension to whitecenter. 

    Come on,  don’t sweep this under the rug Seattle. 

    • WSB May 25, 2017 (12:02 pm)

      I just asked SPD literally minutes ago. No arrests so far.

    • Marianne May 27, 2017 (9:17 am)

      Anonymous-I have lived  in “an extension to whitecenter” for 18 years now and really love my neighborhood and its diversity.

  • aa May 25, 2017 (9:27 pm)

    I know this is easier said than done- I’m thinking what we really need to do is take back Alki.       Instead of staying home, avoiding the beach, moving away, we come out in droves. Squeeze them out. If the beach and walkways are filled with people from the neighborhood I think the people looking to cause trouble will find a new place to congregate.  They’re not down there for the view- they’re there because we’ve made room for them by going away.

  • cil May 25, 2017 (10:17 pm)

    It makes me really sad to read some of the comments above. I think it’s kind of indicative of how our neighborhood may be slowly changing. I hope I am wrong.

    To the family, I am sorry. I can only hope you can find comfort in him being in a better place.

  • CAM May 26, 2017 (10:38 pm)

    I am not a lifelong Seattle resident but I chose Seattle out of several options because I believed it to be a place where some of the biases that are prevalent in other places would be less so here. I still believe that to be true but I have found many of the comments on this article to be seriously disheartening. The themes discussed in these comments have long been an interest of mine and I try my best to keep up to date on recent developments in these areas. That interest led me to an article today that I thought captured well the many viewpoints expressed in these comments and was written without an excess of judgment of different thoughts.

    I’m not sure if it is against website rules to post other articles. If it is please feel free to delete this. I merely think that others who have taken the time to follow and comment on this conversation may also find it interesting. I’m not even certain anyone will make it down this far at this point to find this comment. 

    https://www.buzzfeed.com/albertsamaha/policing-and-race-in-troy-new-york

  • Lossofreaaon May 29, 2017 (1:48 pm)

    Cam, as you make your self righteous observances about the opinions expressed here- you leave out the most important aspect of what precipitated these concerns. 

    People are generally not complaining about different groups gathering. People do, however, seem to get excited, and feel threatened, when someone is summarily executed at a BBQ on alki. I’ve been to many bbq’s, and I have never witnessed anything like this.  

    When is it ok for me to express my concern? I don’t want gangster violence at alki. I don’t want gangster violence anywhere! Why, Cam, are you compelled to label me as racially insensitive? You don’t know anything about me!

Sorry, comment time is over.