Community hero dies from wounds in International District shooting

SEATTLE -- A man described by many as a community hero in Seattle's International District was shot and killed in the ID early Thursday morning.

Police were called to 8th Avenue South and South Lane Street at about 3 a.m. with reports of multiple shots fired. Donnie Chin, the director of the International District Emergency Center, was found at the scene with critical wounds.

Chin later died at Harborview.

A witness told Q13 FOX News they heard as many as 10 shots fired during the shooting. Police are investigating the events leading up to the gunfire. No suspects are in custody.



The International District Emergency Center provides quick and rapid responses to crime and other emergencies in the  area. Chin was a highly respected member of the community who focused on safety of residents. Many in the International District would call Chin for help before dialing 911.

The Asian Counseling and Referral Service released the following statement after the news of Chin's death:

We lost a hero. Our hearts grieve along with our community. We all loved and respected Donnie, a community organizer, community builder, and community leader who looked out for, and watched over, our youth, seniors, and other vulnerable members of our community in the I.D. for 45 years. He promoted public safety, protected the community, and was one of the community’s beating hearts. He gave his life for our community, and we will never forget him.


A community meeting was held 5 p.m. Thursday at the Bush Asia Center. The mayor's office also plans to release a statement soon.

State, county and city leaders expressed  sorrow for the community's loss.



Gov. Jay Inslee said, “Trudi and I share in the terrible shock and deep mourning following this morning’s tragic and violent loss of Donnie Chin. We don’t know exactly what happened on that street in Seattle’s International District early this morning. Yet there’s no doubt, as his friends have said today, that the ID lost its savior, its protector, its hero and a big piece of its heart. Donnie Chin was a man who dedicated his life to making Chinatown and the International District safe for everyone. He had been doing that since he was a young man because he saw a need and he filled it."

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray issued the following statement after the shooting death of Donnie Chin:

“Donnie was a great community leader and his tragic death is a tremendous loss to Chinatown-International District, the broader Asian-Pacific Islander community, all of Seattle, and to me personally. As co-founder of the International District Emergency Center, he dedicated his life to making the Chinatown-International District – the neighborhood he loved – a safe place for all."

Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole also issued the following statement:

“I was shocked and saddened to learn of Donnie Chin's death. He was a wonderful friend to the SPD and will be sorely missed. We join his family and friends in mourning this terrible loss. We will also work tirelessly to bring his killer to justice.”