Pimp Turf Wars, sex trafficking blamed for rash of shootings in Seattle [VIDEOS]

Recurring shootings, prostitution and gang activity continue to plague Seattle's Aurora Avenue, leaving residents feeling left behind by city leaders in the face of ongoing shootings.

The most recent incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Aurora Avenue N and N. 101st Street, with gunfire also reported in the same area several hours earlier.

No injuries were reported.

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Melissa Resendiz, a concerned resident, described the experience of being awakened by the sound of gunshots outside her home. “We live on the first floor, and our bedroom faces outside, and we're just concerned about shots being fired in that direction,” he shared.

Seeking assurances about what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the community, KOMO News contacted Seattle police. Deputy Chief Eric Barden assured the public that efforts are being made to address the increase in gun violence.

“We're doing everything we can to impact gun violence up there … We're deploying our community response officer group to make an impact. We're using our traffic units to have a presence and enforcement in the area during day and we are using emphasis patrols from our depleted patrol workforce to focus on this area.” – Deputy Chief Eric Barden

However, a resident who preferred to remain anonymous shed light on the link between the violence and rampant sex trafficking in the area. “Honestly, they're gang members trying to pimp,” he said.

Barden corroborated this claim, highlighting the connection between the shootings and illicit activities such as sex and drug trafficking.

“Sex trafficking, along with drug sales and drug use, creates an environment where there is competition between suppliers, and they are prone to violence… We have gang involvement with some of the gun violence. We definitely have sex trafficking and pimping involved with something.” – Deputy Chief Eric Barden

In addition, there have been cases where perpetrators disperse before law enforcement arrives, making it difficult to determine the factors that led to street violence.

In response, a crew from the Seattle Department of Transportation installed concrete barriers to restrict access to alleys near Aurora, a common area for illegal activity. Deputy Chief Barden expressed empathy for the residents, acknowledging the legitimate concerns about the safety of their families and homes. “Police officers feel worse than anyone else about the out-of-control gun violence and crime going on there,” he added.

With 31 reports of gunshots or shots fired along Aurora Avenue between N 85th St and N 125th St in the past 60 days, law enforcement is stepping up their efforts to prevent further violence and restore safety to the community

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