The City has struggled for the past several years to recruit new officers, but now it appears the tide is turning

“Today we’re here to celebrate progress, a renewed investment in public safety with more officers entering the pipeline and real momentum in rebuilding a stronger, more responsive police force,” said Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson.

So far this year, the city has hired 60-new officers. That compares to 84-hires in all of last year. There are also some 160-recruits in the background stage of the process. Ultimately, the city would like to hire two hundred officers by the end of the year.

“We will get these officers trained, get them through field training, and put them where we need them the most, which is in patrol. Certainly, I believe, that’s the backbone of policing,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said.

Rise in police could help address crime fears

Chief Barnes says getting back to full staff makes our city safer and improves morale within the department. But, Barnes says none of that matters if people in Seattle don’t feel safe

“Public safety is what the people in Seattle want. So as we calibrate and balance our budget, that is a lens by which we will make decisions,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said.

Mayor Harrell and Chief Barnes also stressed the need to recruit more woman.

They also report an uptick in officers from other cities and other states who are looking to make a lateral move to Seattle.

The woman told police she was walking to her car when the two men pulled up in a gray SUV asking for directions. The woman gave them directions and they tried to pay her but she said no.

“That’s when the suspects got angry. They got out of their vehicle. They shoved her to the ground and yanked a necklace from the victim’s neck,” said Bellevue police spokesman Drew Anderson.

Bellevue Police working with limited suspect descriptions

The men jumped back in the car and got away. Unfortunately, police have very little suspect descriptions. They are asking the public for help – if you know who committed the crime or if you saw it happen, you could help police identify the suspects.

“Any information about who the suspect are, what they were wearing, what they look like, give us a call or send us an email, or just call 911,” Anderson said.

You can also give information anonymously at Crimestoppers of Puget Sound at 800-222-TIPS.

A 15-year-old was taken to Harborview in serious condition but is now stable. Police say the shooting involved Lime scooters and multiple guns.

“These suspects were on one Lime scooter. They shot at the three boys. One of the boys returned gunfire, so we know there was an exchange of gunfire,” said SPD Detective Eric Munoz. “They arrived. They were shot at. They return gunfire and leave the scene, leaving the 15-year-old behind suffering from that gunshot wound.”

Seattle police are investigating a shooting in the 2800 block of Rainier Avenue South. One victim injured by gunfire.

— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD)

Seattle police investigate shooting involving Lime scooters

Police say they are still investigating and are unaware what exactly led up to the shooting.

“Our Gun Violence Reduction Unit detectives responded to the scene along with a detective from our video unit to try to determine the exact circumstances that led to the shooting,” SPD Detective Eric Munoz said

This is an ongoing story; check back for updates.

The shooting happened at the Swift bus stop on State Route 99 (SR 99) just after 9 p.m. Investigators said the two men got into an altercation with another passenger. According to multiple witnesses, they were making gang signs with their hands, and when they got off the bus, they turned and fired shots into the side of the vehicle.

Fortunately, no one was injured, LPD confirmed.

“When officers arrived on scene, they discovered a gentleman passed out in the back of the bus,” Lynnwood Police Commander Joe Disckiinson told łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio. “They believed, at first, that he was hit by some of the rounds. Turns out, he was suffering from an unrelated medical issue and was transported to a (local) hospital.”

His condition is currently unknown, as of this reporting.

The suspects got away and, so far, police have been unable to identify them.

LPD released video of the suspects for the public to help identify them. If anyone recognizes the suspects in the video, contact Lynnwood Police by calling 911. Police are also searching to identify the passenger sitting across from the suspect.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

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Multiple students were walking on the sidewalk along 20th Place South, just before 1 p.m. that afternoon. The unoccupied SUV rolled backward toward them. It then rolled onto the sidewalk, striking three students. Seattle’s police and fire departments responded and rendered aid to the students. However, the 12-year-old girl was eventually pronounced dead.

SPD said after working with King County prosecutors and the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, and talking with witnesses and family members, it was unable to find any applicable criminal charges at this time.

A drug recognition expert was called to the scene and determined that the woman who owned the car was not impaired. She was, however, issued four parking citations.

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“My proposal is a six-year, $1.3 billion renewal of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise levy (FEPP), and every one of our kids and every one of our families are worth every penny of that,” Harrell said.

The mayor’s proposal includes what he calls transformative new investments to expand access to affordable childcare and early learning opportunities through the nationally recognized Seattle Preschool program. The program implements student safety and mental health resources in K-12 schools, along with providing graduates pathways to careers with free tuition at Seattle colleges and job training opportunities.

“We are a nation in crisis. Make no mistake about that. But what we’re doing here in Seattle with this levy is life-changing. It has to be,” Harrell said.

Background on Seattle’s education levy

Under the levy, the city’s Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) partners with families and communities to achieve educational equity, close opportunity gaps, and build a better future for Seattle students.

In describing the importance of the levy, Harrell quoted Civil Rights leader Malcolm X.

“Education is the passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today,” Harrell said.

Seattle residents overwhelmingly voted for the levy in 2018. It’s expected to be on the November ballot for Seattle voters.

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Business leaders in Seattle and King County are sounding the alarm about what proposed tax increases could mean for the state’s economy, businesses, and jobs—especially in the tech sector with startups.

“Our robust tech sector accounts for nearly 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs and represents 22% of the state’s economy,” CEO of Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce Rachel Smith said.

Tuesday morning, the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce held a virtual roundtable to discuss looming tax increases and the short-term and long-term consequences. Also around the table were the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, Washington Roundtable, and the Association of Washington Business.

They are all concerned that the increased B&O and sales taxes will make it more difficult and expensive to do business. They also worry that companies will leave the state, jobs will be lost, and families will go hungry.

Kelly Fukai with the Washington State Technology Industry Association emphasized the impact of the tech industry.

“For every one tech job, that’s three more jobs created in the state,” she said.

Seattle business leaders voice concerns over tax proposals

Smith argued legislators are making decisions without pausing to reflect on the consequences.

“Legislators are doing this seemingly without regard to the ripple effects—the impact on the overall economic ecosystem, especially to new and startup businesses,” she said. “If approved, the recent state revenue proposal that we’ve seen out of Olympia would result in the largest tax increase in Washington history.”

Raji Subramanian, co-founder and CEO at Stealth AI Startup, worries work will go to waste.

“The progress made by the state on investments in essential infrastructure, innovation proposals, and programs that strengthen communities and create good jobs for Washingtonians, all means nothing if these taxes are approved,” Subramanian said. “We are already struggling to fill open positions, grow and expand. How do legislators think we, and specifically start-ups, can do that if we are hit with huge tax bills?”

The group encouraged lawmakers to address the $16 million state budget shortfall without raising taxes on Washington’s hometown businesses.

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Prosecutors explained that 28-year-old Demarcus Pate was part of a group that targeted the Asian community, particularly the elderly, during the summer of 2023. In some cases, they followed their victims home. In other cases, they approached victims getting out of their cars in their driveways.

Pate was charged with a hate crime and confessed.

“This individual pled guilty to not only unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of burglary, but also a hate crime for the intentional targeting of Asian households,” Douglas Wagoner with the King County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Over 100 Asian hate crimes charged in 2023

The crime spree happened in the summer of 2023, a particularly troubling year for hate crimes involving the Asian community. They were fearful for their safety and had to take extra steps to protect themselves.

“We saw 114 anti-Asian hate crimes charged by our office, and that was the most of any year we have on record,” Wagoner said.

Demarcus Pate sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison

Pate eventually pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison.

Prosecutors said that when community safety has been violated, and there is evidence of a crime, charges will follow.

“Home invasions, cases that involve burglary, property crimes, or hate crimes, you’re going to see King County prosecutors bring those cases to the courtroom and seek justice,” Wagoner said.

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In 2024, Kitsap County deputies handled 240 DUI incidents, according to the sheriff’s office—the most since the 1990s.

“We’re seeing some of the highest numbers that we’ve seen since the 1990s right now, and it’s just frustrating because if you’re going out, that’s fine. There’s a million other choices,” Ashley Bonus, whose sister was killed in a DUI crash, said.

Law enforcement stated 14 people died in DUI crashes in Kitsap County last year. However, many more were injured.

“Impaired driving is one of the biggest problems that we have to address, and it’s resulting in roughly half of our fatality and serious injury collisions,” Kitsap County Deputy Rob Corn said.

Kitsap County deputies worry trend will continue into 2025

While no numbers are available yet for 2025, the concern for deputies is that the trend will continue.

Nationwide, in 2023, the (NHTSA) reported 12,429 people died in DUI-related crashes. That’s about one fatality every 42 minutes—all preventable.

“Uber, Lyft, taxi, friends, family. Worst case, call your dad. He’ll come get you. There are so many options out there. You don’t have to drink and drive,” Kitsap County Deputies Joshua Buovino and Rob Corn said.

Kitsap County deputies are trying to spread the word and save lives. It’s part of a campaign to raise awareness and get people to think about the consequences before they drink and drive—for themselves, their potential victims, and the families left behind.

“You don’t ever think it’s going to happen to you, and it does. And when it does happen, you kind of lose a piece of you,” Terry Gammons, whose daughter was killed in a DUI crash, said.

Deputies said even if someone drives while impaired and is lucky enough not to hurt or kill someone, they still face arrest, a fine, and a suspended license.

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Prosecutors say it was fortunate that 18-year-old Christopher Lee Cobb of Federal Way did not kill anyone.

They say he fired a gun outside the party, where two teenagers were killed and four others were wounded.

Cobb pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault, according to

A 17-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with two counts of first-degree murder.

Pierce County deputies, with support from SWAT, took Cobb into custody last week in the city of Des Moines.

The arrest was the culmination of an extensive undercover operation that had been underway since the shooting occurred on March 29.

“This suspect had not been identified until we were able to gather more evidence and review surveillance cameras and gather enough information that we had a suspect that was outstanding,” Pierce County Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

Pierce County deputies arrest a second suspect allegedly involved in that tragic mass shooting at a house party in unincorporated Pierce County last month.

— James L. (@James_łÉČËXŐľRadio)

Once investigators identified the suspect, they surveilled his Des Moines home and the surrounding area.

“(Deputies) talked to victims and witnesses and cased surveillance cameras and established probable cause that there was a second suspect,” Cappetto said.

How the house party shooting started

Neighbors began calling local authorities about the house party and how loud it grew at 10:45 p.m. However, before Pierce County deputies could arrive in time, more calls came in reporting shots fired at the party. According to łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio, deputies were initially diverted to a different call and weren’t able to respond to the scene until shortly after midnight.

When deputies arrived, they found someone dead in the street in front of the home that was hosting the party.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, multiple people were armed at the party, and those who were shot by the suspect fired shots back before collapsing.

The party was hosted by a 17-year-old girl, whose mother was reportedly home at the time of the party. According to responding deputies, she said she didn’t see the shooting.

Six people were shot outside the house party in total. Two people died—Hector Gonzalez Valdez, 19, and Joaquin Ramirez, 15.

The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office previously filed charges against the first suspect, a 17-year-old, with two counts of murder in the first degree and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. His bail was set at $2 million.

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“Keys were in the ignition. There were drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain sight in the vehicle, on the floorboards as well as the seat. So, it was obvious the subjects were under the influence,” Pierce County Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

Deputies knocked on the driver’s side door several times before the couple finally woke up, however, they refused to get out of the truck. Deputies eventually had to break the window to get the man out. A three-minute struggle then ensued.

“The male driver was tased, pulled from the vehicle, and searched. He had over 300 grams of methamphetamine on him, which would explain why he didn’t want to be arrested,” Cappetto said. “That’s not for individual use. Likely, he was planning to distribute it.”

Video shows Pierce County officers arrest man

Bodycam video captured the arrest, which can be viewed .

The man was arrested for assaulting deputies, possession of a controlled substance, and he had a federal warrant for weapon offenses. The woman was not arrested but may still be charged with obstruction.

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Prosecutors allege the suspects harassed and fired a water pellet gun at patrons of the Pony Bar on Capitol Hill. Police said the three circled the block at least 10 times, yelling anti-gay and anti-transgender slurs

“What prosecutors thought is that this criminal action was motivated by bias, by the perceived sexual orientation of the victims,” Casey McNerthney with the King County Prosecutor’s Office said. “When you do that, under the law, it’s considered a hate crime. When you look at the totality and the investigation that Seattle Police gave us, it’s pretty clearly a hate crime.”

King County sees hate crime spike amid Capitol Hill bar incident

No one was seriously injured, but the incident sparked fear in the LGBTQ+ community in Capitol Hill. With these three charged, King County—just four and a half months into the year—is just one number shy of hate crimes charged in all of last year. McNerthany finds that troubling.

“It sure feels like people in general think they can get away with hate crimes against people because of their sexual orientation or perceived gender,” he said. “The message prosecutors and police want to send is that you can’t. And if you do that, you’re going to get charged with a hate crime.”

The two adults appeared in a King County Courtroom Thursday morning. Both pleaded not guilty. The juvenile is expected in court next week.

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That means, starting May 7, travelers will need either an , , U.S. military ID, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, permanent resident card (green card), federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), or a foreign passport to meet REAL ID standards and travel domestically.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Administrators, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Department of Licensing held a news conference Tuesday morning to give the traveling public a gentle reminder that they will need an enhanced driver’s license to travel by air. Otherwise, traveling will be extremely difficult and likely impossible.

“Five hundred thousand people are expected to come to the security checkpoint on May 7, and moving forward who are not ready for REAL ID enforcement,” TSA spokesperson Lorie Danker said. “It is not s strategy to come to the airport on May 7 and move forward without an acceptable form of ID because you’re going to find the delays will be significant and you will likely miss your flight.”

Alternative forms of REAL ID

The United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. Implementation has been delayed, primarily by COVID-19, but it will happen, and those who plan to travel by air, at any airport in the country, will need to be ready. However, there are alternative forms of ID that are acceptable at the TSA Checkpoint.

“That includes the U.S. passport or passport card, active duty military credential, as well as credentials issued to dependents, a DHS Trusted Traveler credential, such as your Global Entry card, or your Nexus card, a foreign government issued passport, a Canadian provencial driver’s license, and the list goes on,” Danker said.

For a complete list of acceptable forms of identification, visit the .

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“We watch on TV, and we hear nothing except DNA, DNA, DNA, but it’s really fingerprints that are the backbone of identifying people that have committed crimes,” retired King County Sheriff John Urquhart said.

How much will the levy cost voters?

The levy has been on the books since the mid-1980s and contains fingerprints of almost a million people. Voters have routinely voted to reauthorize the levy every seven years. The levy is about 2 Âľ cents per $1,000 of the assessed value of a home. That means in year one, the owner of a home assessed at $650,000 pays about $20.

“This is just the continuation of a levy that’s been there for years, and years, and years and from a crime-fighting standpoint, it is absolutely critical,” Urquhart said.

Over the years, passage has been pretty routine, but in these economic times, nothing is certain.

“You never want to get too complacent. This is a tough year for taxes, and people need to look at this closely. But, the benefits are absolutely incredible compared to the cost,” Urquhart said.

The measure only requires a simple majority for passage. Ballots must be placed in a drop box or postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day, April 22.

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“He was charged with assault, unlawful gun possession, unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon and tampering with physical evidence,” said Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecutor’s Office.

The teen made his initial court appearance and arraignment, accompanied by both parents and his attorney. Since his arrest, he has been subject to mandatory 24-hour electronic home monitoring.

Prosecutors sought secure detention, but Juvenile Court Judge Joe Campagna denied the request and ordered home monitoring to continue. The conditions of release require that his parents or one of his adult sisters be present in the home at all times.

The shooting happened on April 8. After leaving Sequoyah Middle School, the teen and three others walked to Lakeland Elementary, where the shooting occurred. The victim was grazed in the head and is expected to recover.

The teen who fired the shot has no criminal record. He is due back in court next month.

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The crash happened just after 5 a.m. Friday at the intersection of South Alaska Street and South 38th Street.

More details in deadly Tacoma crash

Police said a car was sitting at a red light when it was rear-ended by another vehicle, sending the first car crashing into a home.

“One individual passed away,” Tacoma police spokesperson Shelbie Boyd said. “The individual in the other vehicle was transported to the hospital. Their condition is not known. Fortunately, no one in the house was injured.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call the Tacoma Police Department or 911.

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On Friday morning, Jayapal held a news conference in front of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle, where she addressed these points:

“We are going to continue to say no to the constant bullying of the Trump/Musk administration as they try to scam four and a half trillion dollars of your hard-earned money to give themselves a giant tax cut,”  said Jayapal.

Jayapal was surrounded by federal workers and retirees who held signs, chanted, and cheered.  They said they’re fearful of losing federal services upon which their families depend.

“Headstart has been a lifeline for my family, providing not just early education, but support in every facet of our lives,” said local mom Ashleigh Ligon. “My family’s story is just one example of how Headstart’s impact extends to families and communities, going far beyond preschool programs.”

One retired Social Security Administration retiree says he understands what federal workers still on the job are going through.

“Those folks are intimidated. They’ve been denigrated, and it’s a dangerous thing for them, unfortunately, in the times we are in,” said Retired Social Security Administration employee Steve Kofahl.

‘Our resistance is stronger than their hate’

Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security have all been in the bullseye of DOGE. The administration said they just want to find fraud and cut waste, insisting that cutting Social Security isn’t part of their plan.

Jayapal said she is not buying the rhetoric.

“Let us be very, very clear: when you cut regional offices, and you fire 200 employees, that IS cutting Social Security,” Jayapal said.

Jayapal praised everyday Americans who have participated in peaceful protests. She encouraged these protests to continue, as she pledged to do her part in Washington, D.C.

“We will fight this at every level. We will build a coordinated movement in Congress, in the courts, and in public to show our resistance is stronger than their hate, our love is stronger than their greed, and our power will eclipse their cruelty,” Jayapal said.

BPD have arrested 20-year-old Malaki McDanial, who they suspect conducted “numerous” robberies after agreeing to meet people in person to complete an online marketplace purchase.

“When the online sale was being made in real life, they (the victims) felt like something was off,” BPD’s Drew Anderson said. “Then all of a sudden, this individual threatened them with a firearm and then stole the goods they were trying to sell.”

BPD said that this crime was not only being committed in Bellevue, as police suspect the same person repeated these robberies in Edmonds, Federal Way, Kent and Seattle.

Bellevue PD says it has evidence tying suspect to crimes

In a search of  McDanial’s home, police found stolen jewelry, vehicle titles, and “unique clothing” the suspect wore during the robberies.

BPD said these crimes happen more often than one might think, and that it is important to act cautiously when selling something online.

“Always meet at a public location. Go when it’s the busiest time of the day. Bring a family member or friend, and most importantly, put your life before your possessions and call 911,” Anderson said.

McDaniel is currently being held at King County Jail on charges of first-degree robbery and theft of a motor vehicle. His bail is set at $200,000.

Ortberg testified before the Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for the hearing titled “Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer.”

Committee members examined the steps Boeing is taking to address production deficiencies and safety issues, following an incident on an Alaska Airlines Flight last year, when a door plug on a Boeing 737-MAX blew out mid-flight.

Since then, Boeing has been subject to additional safety audits and enhanced Federal Aviation Administration oversight.

“Let me start with just a simple question, which is, can travelers trust Boeing? 346 people died in the two 737-MAX-8 crashes. We are extremely fortunate no one died in the doorplug incident,” Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair, Senator Ted Cruz said. “Since 2018, Boeing’s mistakes have caused many people to question whether Boeing is still capable of making safe aircrafts.”

Ortbeg responded to this: “I’m not denying the horrible incidents you’ve outlined. We need to take immediate action, and we are taking action. My family flies on those aircraft as well… I want everybody to know the entire Boeing team is absolutely committed to building the highest quality aircraft in the world. Air traffic is the safest mode of transportation, and we need to continue that and continue to find and learn if there are incidents so these don’t turn into tragic accidents in the future.”

Boeing’s stock price is down, its public image has been tarnished, and it’s still embroiled in lawsuits.

Tacoma aviation attorney and Boeing Expert Mark Lindquist has been involved in a great number of those cases.

“What the victims’ families would like to see is the same thing, I think, everyone wants to see, which is Boeing manufacturing we can trust again. People want to be able to walk on a Boeing plane and feel safe,”  Lindquist said.

Washington State U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell is the ranking member on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and she wanted to remind people that Boeing remains “the largest exporter” in the country.

“I can assure you I believe in more exports and I’d like to see a brighter future for Boeing to return the trust for this iconic manufacturer,”  Cantwell said. “But we shouldn’t forget that it is also critical to our national defense… and our economy.”

However, Lindquist argued that Boeing has gotten “away” from a “focus on engineering” to a “focus on profits,” and will need to shift this model in order to be successful.

Moreover, Senator Cruz said he wanted to see the aviation company thrive: “Our country is better off economically, our aviation system is safer, and our nation is stronger when Boeing is stronger,” he said.

Drivers are already frustrated.

“I think they need to find another way to get that money. Because between our traffic and then more gas money, I think it’s ridiculous,” driver Nathan Cooper said. “Punishing us because we can afford the vehicle and afford the gas, so what’s another six cents, in their eyes, but you add that up and it just gets higher and higher and then we can’t afford it anymore,” Cooper said.

The tax increase would fund transportation and help offset a billion-dollar budget deficit over two years.

The bill that passed in the Senate would raise the tax by 6 cents per gallon to 55.4 cents. The state tax would then rise by 2% annually to account for inflation starting the following year. Neither includes the 18.4 cent federal tax.

The House is looking to raise the state tax by 9 cents and then index it to inflation.

New gas taxes will hit by July

Both hikes would take effect July 1. The Senate gas tax proposal would raise $1.5 billion over the next six years, lawmakers say. The House: $1.8 billion.

The proposal has bi-partisan support and, if passed, would be implemented by this summer.

Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) stressed the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for vital investments in infrastructure.
“There’s no question, as we’re asking Washingtonians to pay more for transportation services,” Liias said during a press conference.

“We need to do a better job of delivering projects on time and on budget. In transportation, time is money,” Liias said.

“People have to get to and from. I mean, what are you going to do? And I see it getting worse before it gets any better,” an anonymous motorist said.

The gas tax would also increase yearly by 2% annually to keep up with inflation.

There would also be an increase in registration fees for owners of electric vehicles would also be hit with increased registration fees.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Washington’s gas tax is already the third-highest in the nation, behind California and Pennsylvania.

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