On October 3, 2015, The Seattle Times Editorial board published an op-ed which simultaneously lauded the city for its efforts, but asked for more to be done to better understand and curb firearm violence in Seattle. The editorial comes on the heels of the tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College in early October.
“While these shootings are emotional bombshells, everyday gun violence is claiming too many lives, as well. From January to September, shooting in Seattle of topped 300 – up almost 30 percent from the same period last year,” writes the board.
The op-ed was written to demonstrate support for Seattle Mayor Ed Murray’s recent budget proposal, which included $275,000 to fund a prevention project to be implemented by HIPRC and Harborview Medical Center.
In late August, the article says, Seattle City Council passed a new tax on firearms and ammunition sold in city limits – though the city is being sued by gun rights lobbyists aiming to repeal the tax.
“Nevermind the fact that taxpayers paid an estimated $12 million last year for gunshot victims treated at Harborview… Even if the legal challenge should prove successful, the city should continue funding gun-data analysis and prevention.”