A Seattle business closes its doors following a violent shootout on Aurora Avenue, raising concerns about safety and community impact
Seattle: Gun violence and prostitution are really causing a stir along Aurora Avenue North. Just last Friday, things got wild when two cars started shooting at each other right in the middle of the road.
Luckily, no one got hurt, but the police found a bunch of shell casings scattered around. It’s a scary situation, and folks are fed up.
Seattle Councilmember Cathy Moore expressed her frustration, saying she’s losing patience with the ongoing issues. Ryan Ferrie, who owns Empire Insurance Brokers, echoed her sentiments, stating that Aurora isn’t a friendly place for businesses anymore.
After nearly 50 years in the area, Ferrie announced they’re closing their North Seattle office and merging with their Everett location. He’s worried about the disruption for their clients and the safety of his employees.
Ferrie shared a chilling story about bullets being dug out of the walls and even one lodged in a computer monitor. It’s just not right for anyone to feel unsafe at work.
During her chat with KIRO7, Councilmember Moore mentioned a new law aimed at tackling the issues of prostitution and gun violence. She believes the police need to step up enforcement.
Moore is calling for an emergency response to the gun violence, saying they have the tools to deal with it. But Ferrie isn’t convinced. He thinks the new laws aren’t making a difference at all.
Even though he’s had enough, Ferrie hopes that lawmakers can find a solution to this ongoing problem. He lamented that Seattle isn’t the “Emerald City” it used to be.
KIRO7 reached out to Moore for her thoughts on businesses like Ferrie’s leaving due to the violence. She acknowledged the situation, saying it’s unfortunate but understandable.
Moore emphasized that no business should have to deal with gunfire in their workplace. She’s been taking public safety concerns seriously and is eager to see new legislation put into action.
She also mentioned the need for CCTV cameras and a Real Time Crime Center to be up and running soon. It’s clear that something needs to change to address the violence in North Seattle.
