Seattle – Today, Mayor Harrell released the following statement after a series of stabbings in the Chinatown-International District:
“The stabbings in Little Saigon and the Chinatown-International District are horrific, appalling, and shouldn’t occur anywhere in our city. I am grateful for the efforts of first responders in arresting a suspect and caring for the victims of these attacks. I hope for their speedy recovery.
“Every person deserves to feel and be safe, and I remain committed to using every tool available to improve the safety of Little Saigon and the historic Chinatown-International District for all residents, workers, and visitors. We will continue to take a proactive approach to this ongoing challenge – increasing law enforcement resources and patrols to quickly respond to and deter illegal activities, implementing evidence-based technology to prevent and solve crimes, and holding those who cause harm accountable for their actions.”
Mayor Harrell and his administration continue to advance a comprehensive approach to improve public safety, targeting hotspots Downtown, the Chinatown-International District, and Little Saigon with increased law enforcement patrols, enhanced cleanings, and graffiti abatement.
Over the last several weeks, multiple City Departments and the Seattle Police Department have worked in collaboration to address an increased need for public safety and restorative efforts in the CID, specifically Little Saigon near 12th & Jackson.
This is in addition to the upcoming deployment of evidence-based technology solutions like CCTV cameras and a Real Time Crime Center, which will provide more tools to prevent and solve crimes in the CID, along with neighborhood activation efforts like adding new lighting, and environmental design improvements in partnership with Friends of Little Saigon to deter crime.
In recent weeks, SPD has made a number of significant arrests at Hoa Mai Park and near Little Saigon for violation of park rules, illegal firearm possession, drug possession, and outstanding warrants as part of their emphasis patrol in downtown neighborhoods.
The City also recently reached an agreement with King County to utilize more beds for misdemeanors in King County Jail, giving the city the capacity and flexibility it needs to hold offenders accountable and ensure a functioning criminal legal system.