Seattle violent crime trends down despite weekend shooting

A mass shooting in Seattle's Pioneer Square resulted in three fatalities and one injury, ending a 44-day streak without a homicide in the city. Chief Shon Barnes reported that there have been no arrests made in connection with the shooting, which is the deadliest incident of 2025. The current homicide count for Seattle stands at 12, a decrease from 16 at the same point last year. The Seattle Police Department indicated that violent crime has decreased by about 20% compared to the same period in 2024. Last year, King County experienced its first reduction in gun violence in six years, highlighting a shift in crime trends.

In light of the recent shooting, police have increased patrols in Pioneer Square and will deploy more officers throughout the city as tourism and events ramp up. This proactive measure aims to enhance public safety during a busy season for the city. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence, despite the overall downward trend in crime rates.