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King County looking at regional approach to curtail growing gun violence

KING COUNTY, Wash. — In an effort to curtail the rise in gun violence in Seattle and King County, two new strategies are being introduced to help bring down the numbers.

The county is working on a two-pronged approach that will bring together groups that blend community and systems, as well as the creation of an immediate response that will help youth and families most affected by gun violence. Fifty percent of those impacted are Black men and boys.

According to a report from Public Health – Seattle & King County, homicides are the leading cause of death for young Black men and boys.

A 2021 year-end incident report from the King County Prosecutor’s Office revealed there were 1405 total shots fired incidents, which resulted in 460 overall victims. The number of overall shooting victims was up by 70% over a four-year average for 2017-2020.

The number of people fatally shot in 2021 was 88, resulting in a 54% increase over an average four-year period for 2017-2020.

According to data from Harborview Medical Center, 100 to 150 people between the ages of 16-24 years of age are seen every year in the emergency room for a gun-related injury.

With this background data, the county’s regional approach will use high-intensity engagement and support for youth and families in addition to other objectives, such as:

  • Critical incident response system with hospital and community based
  • Wrap around care for high-risk youth via a care team
  • Support and connection for families & younger siblings
  • Decreased negative law enforcement contact
  • Additional community capacity for restorative justice programs
  • Community outreach, public awareness and restorative events

To read more on how the county plans to keep the peace together, click here.