Latest Incident in a Troubled Neighborhood
On a recent evening at 6:00 PM, a machete attack occurred at the intersection of 12th Avenue and King Street in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID). This attack is part of a larger pattern of violence and crime that has plagued the neighborhood.
Residents’ Reactions
Paul Rivera reported from the scene, speaking to local residents and business owners who expressed frustration and fear. Many residents feel unsafe, and some people are too scared to visit certain parts of Chinatown.
Escalating Violence and Crime
The CID has been a hotspot for violent crimes, drug use, and illegal activities. Local business owners, like one who runs a restaurant near 12th and Jackson, have witnessed ongoing violence, including the use of automatic weapons.
Impact on Local Businesses
The persistent violence has severely affected local businesses. One business owner shared that customers are reluctant to visit the area, resulting in a significant decline in business.
City Council Response
City Councilmember Tanya Woo, who has deep ties to the neighborhood, acknowledged the long-standing issues and the frustration of residents. She emphasized that it will take time to see improvements, given the years it took to reach the current situation.
Promising Developments
Councilmember Woo mentioned that the mostly new City Council is committed to addressing safety concerns in the CID. She is working towards deploying community safety teams and de-escalation teams to provide services and improve safety in the area.
Ongoing Investigations
Seattle police are investigating the machete attack and are seeking information to identify the suspect involved in the incident. The community awaits the deployment of safety teams and other measures to address the ongoing violence.
