Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell released the following statement after the homicide of a King County Metro bus driver in the University District:
“This attack on King County Metro operator Shawn Yim is shocking and heartbreaking. My deepest sympathies are with Mr. Yim’s family as they grapple with the devastating loss of their loved one during the holiday season, and with the staff of King County Metro and members of ATU Local 587 as they mourn a colleague and friend.
“No one should feel unsafe riding transit in Seattle – and that includes our transit operators. Transit operators not only perform an essential duty to our entire city by keeping us connected and getting us where we need to go – they are also an essential part of our community as reliably friendly faces we see every day. These hardworking individuals deserve to be safe and secure doing their jobs, and we must eliminate the threats and impacts of violence that are completely unacceptable in our city.
“The transportation levy passed by the voters includes a $9 million investment to boost transit safety measures, including personnel services like security officers in coordination with King County Metro and Sound Transit. I am grateful that King County Metro has more than doubled their Transit Security Officer presence over the last two years, and we know there is more work to do to ensure both passengers and operators are safe each and every day. The City will continue to work with partners towards solutions that enhance safety on transit for all.
“The Seattle Police Department will continue to work closely with the King County Sheriff’s Office and University of Washington Police Department on the investigation. If you have any information about this crime, please call 206-233-5000.”