Aurora Avenue shootout forces business to close, relocate to Snohomish County

The recent shooting incident on Aurora Avenue has prompted Empire Insurance Brokers, a North Seattle business, to shut down operations and relocate to Snohomish County after serving the community for 50 years. Owner Ryan Ferrie described the chaotic scene during the shootout, where bullets flew through the office, damaging equipment. This incident is part of a larger trend of escalating gun violence and prostitution problems plaguing the area. Ferrie stated that the shooting was the "last straw," highlighting his concerns for employee safety and the unacceptable nature of such violence. In response, Councilmember Moore acknowledged the ongoing public safety issues and stressed the need for a comprehensive plan to address the violence, including improved surveillance and legislation.

Ferrie criticized city leaders for their failure to effectively tackle these issues, arguing that taxpayers are the ones truly affected. The business is set to officially close its doors at the end of the week, marking a significant loss for the community. The situation raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of current policies aimed at curbing crime in Seattle.