Seattle police say gains made in fight against South Seattle gun violence



SEATTLE -- While it is too early to declare victory, the Seattle Police Department believes increased efforts to combat gun violence are paying off.

In the past two weeks, there have been 12 reports of shots fired citywide. That’s a 50% decrease from the previous two weeks, during which 23 shootings were reported, according to data provided by the department.

Earlier this summer, Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole attributed a dramatic increase in gun violence, in part, to an ongoing feud between gang members in South Seattle’s East African refugee community.

Assistant Chief Robert Merner sat down with Q13’s Brandi Kruse on Wednesday to discuss the department’s efforts to combat the problem and how prevention and community outreach will be key in making sure the violence doesn’t return to epidemic levels.

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