The Seattle Police Department is investigating the first homicide of 2025 in the East Precinct, following a shooting incident that occurred near the King County Youth Services facility. On Saturday, February 1, multiple callers reported gunfire around 4:30 AM, leading officers to find a man with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Despite prompt medical assistance, the victim was declared dead shortly after arriving at Harborview Medical Center. Eyewitnesses indicated that the suspect fled the scene on an electric scooter, prompting a comprehensive search for evidence and shell casings in the vicinity. This tragic event raises concerns about public safety and marks a troubling beginning to the year, particularly as it falls on the first weekend of newly appointed SPD Chief Shon Barnes's tenure.

An update from the SPD confirmed that a 30-year-old suspect has been arrested and booked into King County Jail for investigation of murder, showcasing law enforcement's commitment to addressing violent crime swiftly. The incident aligns with broader discussions regarding crime rates in the precinct, which had 14 homicides recorded in 2024. As the community processes this violence, the SPD’s response and ongoing investigations will be closely monitored by local residents and officials alike.