Local leaders call on city officials to address youth and gang violence in Lynnwood

During a recent meeting, the Lynnwood City Council focused on the alarming rise of youth and gang violence, with input from police and community leaders. Jose Garcia from Hope for Homies stressed the detrimental impact of youth feeling overlooked, stating, “If young people don’t feel a part of the village, they will burn it down to feel its warmth. ” Police Cmdr. Russ Sattarov reported a rise in juvenile arrests from 119 in 2022 to 270 in 2024, indicating a shift towards addressing violent crimes more aggressively. Key statistics revealed that 63% of gang-related homicides involved youth, and 100% of these cases included social media threats.

Sattarov advocated for the role of school resource officers in building trust with families seeking help for their children. The council is now exploring strategies to engage youth positively and reduce gang involvement. As local leaders call for action, the community seeks effective interventions to address the root causes of youth violence.