2 men injured in shooting inside Mount Vernon addiction recovery facility

On December 24, 2024, a shooting at the New Earth Recovery addiction recovery facility in Mount Vernon, Washington, left two men hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The Mount Vernon Police Department responded shortly before 9 a. m. to reports of gunfire and found the victims, aged 50 and 53, inside the facility. A 49-year-old man, identified as the suspect, was arrested without incident outside the facility, and a firearm was recovered as evidence.

Facility staff confirmed that the victims were residents and expressed relief that the suspect was in custody. Alan Muia, the facility director, emphasized the safety and care provided to residents over the past 13 years, noting that such violence was unprecedented. Police believe all individuals involved were present at the scene during the incident. The suspect has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault, raising concerns about safety in recovery environments and prompting discussions about the need for enhanced security measures.