VIDEO: Teen shooting victim’s family and schoolmates protest again. Next stop, City Hall

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

For the second time this week, relatives and schoolmates of 15-year-old Mobarak Adam gathered outside Chief Sealth International High School and marched to nearby Southwest Teen Life Center/Pool, where he died 10 days ago in a shooting that has been classified as a homicide. Police have not disclosed what they have learned so far about the circumstances of the shooting in a restroom at the center. Whatever happened, the protesters say, Mobarak is another young life lost to gun violence that needs to stop. Like Monday’s rally, this one had short, often emotional speeches. Mobarak’s brother remembered him as “the best brother anyone could have”:

Some of Mobarak’s friends spoke too:

Adults spoke as well, including a family representative:

Some like Chief Sealth assistant principal Hope Perry and Denny International Middle School principal Mary Ingraham reminded the students that they have a role in keeping each other safe:

Government reps were there too – including School Board member Gina Topp, who did not speak. From County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda‘s office, Chris Lampkin vowed to be “a partner” in the family and schoolmates’ quest for justice:

And Mobarak’s sister Leyla said they’re taking their demands and concerns directly to City Hall next.

She told the crowd about plans for a protest/rally at City Hall for next Friday (February 9th) – no time set yet. While City Councilmember Rob Saka was at Monday’s protest, he was not in view today, but he wrote about the situation in his weekly newsletter, sent this afternoon. He said of Monday’s rally, “Students presented some demands which I strongly support.” Specific to one of them, the lack of working cameras at Southwest Center, Saka wrote that he spoke with Parks Superintendent AP Diaz: “I was informed that the department is assessing the appropriate next steps for the cameras, which may include a replacement of or potential new system. It is very important to me that this be addressed with due haste.” And he wrote, “We all know well that there must be some more stringent laws to prevent gun violence.”

WSHS Mom February 3, 2024 (8:02 am)

Does anyone happen to know why the school district hasn’t spoken out about this tragedy? WSHS hasn’t either, with the exception of a brief statement in the principal’s “monthly newsletter” last night. When things like this happen, isn’t there usually some sort of statement or letter sent out from the district? Maybe I missed it?

WSB February 3, 2024 (1:16 pm)

This was posted on the SPS website the day after Mobarak’s death
https://www.seattleschools.org/news/responding-to-tragedy-in-our-community/

Jeff February 3, 2024 (1:57 pm)

There are people who know exactly what happened. They apparently aren’t talking. There are people who know who those people are. They apparently aren’t talking either. Just the whole situation is a tragedy, both the incident and the apparent unwillingness of the people involved to do the right thing.

CAM February 3, 2024 (6:17 pm)

“Police have not disclosed what they have learned so far about the circumstances of the shooting in a restroom at the center.” Are you the police Jeff? Do you have secret special inside knowledge of the information the police have collected? They don’t typically release information mid investigation for a number of reasons. One being that you don’t want people jumping to conclusions before you have reliable information and 2 being you don’t want to tip off the people you are investigating. Maybe hold off on the speculation until the police announce people aren’t cooperating.
- Carol February 7, 2024 (7:41 am)
  
  I’m wondering if he’s asking for information from the boys there. The weapon was missing and the boys with the victim have not provided details on what happened.

Buck February 3, 2024 (5:51 pm)

Maybe instead of protesting against the police, they should protest agains the teen guys who have guns and ain’t ‘shamed to use ’em. They’re young, they have guns and we all have to suffer. Tougher gun-related crime penalties would go a long ways in fixing this. I’d love to see it happen. But in Seattle? Don’t hold your breath for any real action. Harrell? Saka? Hello?

WSB February 3, 2024 (8:14 pm)

They are and were not protesting against the police. The family has expressed frustration that they haven’t received more information, but no one – except the police – knows if that information even exists so far.

Jj February 3, 2024 (6:13 pm)

Silence….that is distrubing.

Justice for M February 3, 2024 (9:05 pm)

It is depressing that adults have become so numb to this that the Mayor and Parks Department have yet to address the community. I hope they personally contacted the families for the two unsolved deaths of a former Denny and CSIHS students.Pool/center staff, kids and teachers are anxious at school/work and the families and friends are in mourning. It is hard going to the center/pool, opening the door and not seeing kids smiling and hanging out with friends in the lobby. Councilmember Saka I hope you asked Diaz to fix all of the broken cameras at community centers too. Justice for a dead student requires leadership — from adults
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/justice-for-a-dead-student-requires-leadership-from-adults/

Purple Pilot February 4, 2024 (8:50 am)

If they want to protest gun violence, school campus and city hall are going to provide maximum exposure, but to have maximum impact they need to focus within the neighborhood and community in which they live.