In a poignant statement regarding the tragic stabbing of King County Metro bus driver Shawn Yim, Councilmember Maritza Rivera expressed her profound sorrow and condolences to the victim's family and colleagues. She underscored the alarming reality that public servants should never face violence while performing their duties, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. Rivera highlighted that this incident comes on the heels of Metro's recent decision to close bus stops due to escalating public safety concerns in Seattle's University District. She reiterated her commitment to public safety, noting that her council has enacted nearly a dozen pieces of legislation aimed at addressing these critical issues in the past year. Additionally, Rivera pointed out the positive trend of increased applications for the Seattle Police Department, which has not been seen since 2019.

She assured the community that she is actively collaborating with law enforcement to ensure the apprehension of the suspect involved in this incident. Rivera's remarks reflect a broader conversation about safety in public transit and the ongoing challenges faced by transit workers, with the Council remaining committed to fostering a safer environment for both transit employees and Seattle residents.