Vigil held for slain bus driver Shawn Yim, following suspect's arrest

A heartfelt vigil honoring Shawn Yim, a 59-year-old King County Metro bus driver fatally stabbed in Seattle, drew around 200 attendees in the University District. The Seattle Police Department arrested 53-year-old Richard Sitzlack, identified as Yim's attacker, prior to the vigil. Attendees shared their grief and concern for Yim's family, underlining the profound emotional impact of the loss on the community. Union leaders, including AUT Local 587 officials, indicated that Yim had previously voiced concerns about the dangers facing bus operators. Following the incident, there have been urgent calls for increased safety measures and police presence to protect transit workers.

Court documents revealed that Yim called 911 during the attack, desperately asking for assistance before he was found dead. A passenger who interacted with Sitzlack helped police identify him, showcasing the community's involvement in addressing the crime. This tragic incident has intensified discussions on the safety of public transit employees, prompting local officials to advocate for immediate action.