Ilyiss Abdi, 18, and Salman Haji, 19, are charged with murder, robbery and attempted robbery. Abdi is behind bars on $5,000,000 bail but, according to court documents, Haji has fled the country.

Court documents stated the two teens were in a stolen car and on a crime spree on January 26. They allegedly stole a car in Seattle and then tried to use stolen credit cards in Normandy Park. Then they drove to a crowded Costco parking lot and saw two elderly sisters loading their car. They jumped out and allegedly tried to rob the women but when they resisted, Haji allegedly shot Huang once in the chest, while Abdi waited in the car. The two then sped off.

Huang died in the parking lot.

The shooting happened around 10:40 a.m. about 50 feet outside the front door of the store.

Other local crime: Attempted robbery near Auburn Walmart goes awry, victim shoots at suspects

According to those close to the investigation, Huang had no prior connection to the shooter before the fatal encounter.

Following the shooting, police agencies all over Western Washington were on the lookout for the suspects and the vehicle they were driving.

“I think people wondered when they didn’t see a headline of an arrest right away, or a charge right away if things were happening and they certainly were happening behind the scenes,” Casey McNerthney with the King County Prosecuting Attorey’s Offices said.

Court documents stated that less than a month later, Abdi was allegedly involved in another deadly incident. In that case, Abdi was charged with assault and firearm enhancement. He was previously convicted of attempted burglary.

Both teens are due in court on June 5 at 9 a.m.

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According to court documents, the teens face multiple felony charges, including auto theft, assault, strong arm robbery and burglary.

“When you have allegations like this it’s got to be before the court. These aren’t diversion cases and if there are youth who think there are no consequences, I can just go home, that’s not the case,” Casey McNerthney, director of communications for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO), said.

The group was in a stolen car, trying to evade police, on May 7, when a SWAT Team and the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter were called in. It was all recorded, including their arrests.

“It’s a very difficult situation because nobody wins out of it. The best we can do is try to decrease recidivism and have accountability in the clearest possible way,” McNerthney said.

More from the crime blotter: High-speed chase reaching 114 mph ends in arrest at Federal Way Trader Joe’s

More charges are possible

Investigators believe the group may be responsible for more crimes than they currently are being charged with. Similar crimes that happened at the same time period are under investigation and could lead to additional charges.

McNerthney says their arrest and charges will hopefully be a wake-up call for other juveniles headed down the wrong path.

“I think there are some kids who think, “Oh, I’m never going to get in real trouble for this.’ But there are many kids who do, and those decisions can be life changing for a lot of people,” McNerthney said.

The juveniles were placed in secure detention at the Patricia H. Clark Family Justice Center in Seattle.

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“Seattle is no different than any other major city where you see organized gangs, but you also see people who grew up together and may not have the formal definition of a gang, but they hang together and there’s a possible pattern of behavior there,” Casey McNerthney, director of communications at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, told KIRO Newsradio.

King County prosecutors have charged 30 murder cases so far this year — many of them involving a firearm.

Jason Rantz on Seattle gangs: Seattle has a gang problem that Democrats won’t mention

The two latest shootings happened within about 24 hours of each other. A West Seattle mom was struck by stray bullets as she slept in the same bed as her child in one shooting. Fortunately, the child was not injured, but in the second shooting, another toddler was left in critical condition after they were hit by a stray bullet.

Previous coverage on the shooting: 2-year-old hit with stray bullet in Skyway apartment shooting, in critical condition

“It’s too early to say in those cases exactly what’s happening,” McNerthney said. “Many of those are still with police investigators, so investigators will be looking at that possibility, the same as they would in any case of gun violence.”

Nearly every police or law enforcement agency in the area, alongside the King County Prosecutors’ Office, has a unit dedicated to violent crimes instigated primarily by gangs — focusing their time and resources on piecing together the puzzle that is the local gang scene.

“There are people behind the scenes and not in the headlines that every day look at social media activity, at patterns, at jail phone calls, at any source of information that they can use to prevent violence,” McNerthney said.

More from James Lynch: Ex-Tacoma cop Timothy Rankine plans to file lawsuit against city, attorney general

McNerthney stated it doesn’t matter whether it’s a tightly knit, organized gang or an informal group of friends who act badly, the violence is the same and both will be pursued, arrested and prosecuted to the extent the law allows.

“I think it’s frustrating for people sometimes because they don’t always hear about it in the headlines,” McNerthney added. “When you don’t hear about it, they want to know it is being done, but those steps to avoid gun violence and further violence while also trying to reach people before they get involved in it are certainly happening behind the scenes every day.”

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The couple’s claim the charge Rankine faced was “politically motivated false accusations of racial and bias policing and criminal misconduct creating a hostile work environment, inciting hatred, threats, and violence against me and my family.

The tort claim, which is a precursor to a lawsuit, seeks $35 million for Rankine and $12 million for his wife.

According to the claim, Rankine’s wife suffered damage to her marriage, personal safety and severe emotional distress.

“Mr. Rankine is stepping forward together with his wife to seek redress for vilifying him and falsely accusing him of misconduct and basically murder,” Rankine’s attorney Joan Mell said.

A spokesperson for the city of Tacoma said in an email to The Associated Press Tuesday that the city doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

Rankine, 2 others went on trial for the 2020 death of Manny Ellis

Rankine, along with fellow former officers Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank stood trial in 2023 and were acquitted for the death of Manny Ellis, 33, in March of 2020. Rankine testified during the that he pressed down on Ellis’ back despite Ellis saying he couldn’t breathe. Rankine was acquitted of manslaughter but said in the claims filed that his reputation has been destroyed.

2023 verdict: 3 police officers found not guilty in the death of Manny Ellis

Rankine and the other officers each received $500,000 from the City of Tacoma after they agreed to leave their positions with the city.

Attorneys for the three had argued that Ellis died from a lethal amount of methamphetamine as well as a heart condition, not from the officers’ actions. The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide and said it was caused by a lack of oxygen during the physical restraint.

Rankine’s attorney says that’s not near enough to compensate for what the couple has lost.

“They became national public figures for a race discussion for which they had no control. They became the poster family for divisiveness,” Mell said.

More on this case: US Attorney’s Office to launch its own probe in the death of Manny Ellis

Former Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist provided legal analysis during the former officers’ trial. He says it’s hard for him to see the merits of the lawsuit.

“When a jury finds a defendant not guilty, the jury is simply saying the prosecutor failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury is not saying the defendant is innocent. The jury is not saying we approve of the defendant’s conduct. The jury is just saying the prosecutor did not prove the case,” Lindquist said to KIRO Newsradio.

Lindquist went on to say that the jury finding Rankine not guilty of the charges doesn’t mean that there was no merit to file the charges to begin with.

“Prosecutors have broad discretion to bring criminal charges. Here, the prosecutor was the attorney general. A judge reviewed the criminal complaint and found probable cause for the charges. There’s no legal basis to pursue the AG for filing these charges,” Lindquist continued.

Christopher Burbank departs: Officer acquitted in Manny Ellis’ death, hired in Thurston County resigns

Now that the tort claim has been filed, there is a 60-day wait before the actual lawsuit can be filed.

“It’s not a race issue but it’s been exploited and made into a race issue by politicians and officials who have no business arguing the race claim at all. I think that’s exploitation,” Mell said.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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Nelson is charged with second-degree murder and assault for the 2019 officer-involved shooting death of Jesse Sarey.

Past coverage: First-of-its-kind murder trial against Auburn police officer set for early 2022

Sarey was under arrest for disorderly conduct.

Before opening statements could begin, Judge Nicole Gaines Phelps had to rule on a complaint from the defense about a juror. It was revealed the juror had been communicating with a witness in the case … and not just any witness, but the foster mother of the person Nelson is accused of murdering.

KIRO 7 News reported the juror was dismissed before the trial got underway.

With that juror replaced with an alternate, the prosecution began opening statements. Prosecutor Angelo Calfo told the jury this is a case about an unnecessary death.

“It’s a case about a police officer who did not follow his training, who acted unreasonably. It’s about a police officer, Jeff Nelson, who unnecessarily shot and killed a homeless person named Jesse Sarey. A person who was unarmed,” Calfo said.

The prosecution said Nelson shot Sarey in the torso after a brief struggle. Then, cleared a jam in his firearm, then shot Sarey, again, in the head.

During her opening statement, Nelson’s attorney, Emma Scanlan, told an opposing version of what happened. She told the jury that Sarey had reached for Nelson’s gun during the struggle and grabbed a knife from his front pocket. She contended Nelson thought Sarey had the knife and Nelson feared for his life.

“This became a deadly force situation when Jesse Sarey grabbed Officer Nelson’s gun,” Scanlan said.

The fatal event happened May 31, 2019, in front of the Sunshine Grocery near the intersection of Auburn Way North and 15th Street Northeast. Several nearby businesses called 911 reporting Sarey was acting disorderly and was likely under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Other news: King County deputies intercept Burien drug ring tied to Sinaloa cartel

Nelson has been on administrative leave, awaiting trial since then.

Thursday’s proceedings concluded with the prosecution calling expert witness Grant Frederickson, a certified forensic video analyst. Frederickson began his testimony explaining digital video processes before the trial was adjourned for the day. Frederickson is expected to continue his testimony sometime next week.

The trial will resume Monday morning.

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There’s no word on who is responsible for the graffiti. But UW President Anna Mari Cauce says representatives from the encampment told administrators “the graffiti is an intentional escalation to compel the university to agree to their demands.”

Cauce issued a lengthy statement through the UW Presidential Blog Wednesday addressing multiple topics, including the graffiti seen on campus and the tent encampment.

“The university’s response to students’ calls for change will not be based on an encampment — there are many ways for voices to be heard that don’t require tents, violent rhetoric and vandalism,” Cauce said in the statement.

The university president also explained in her statement that the administration has engaged in dialogue with some students.

Consistent with our long-standing commitment to dialogue with students during protest actions, we believe that engaging in dialogue is the most productive path to a resolution that can see the encampment voluntarily depart. Indeed, even before the encampment started, we were meeting with a cross section of students who are deeply moved by the humanitarian crisis.

Cauce went on to say that the students’ demands have escalated and include a series of orders that are “contrary to academic freedom and/or to state or federal law.”

We have engaged sincerely and openly. The representatives of the encampment have presented a series of changing and escalating demands, including most recently demanding the creation of a new department that would have an ‘anti-Zionist; litmus test for faculty hiring; granting a student group oversight of awarding new, religion-based University scholarships; and a blanket amnesty for all violations of the law and student code, including not solely camping, among other demands. Many of these demands, especially the most recent, are contrary to academic freedom and/or to state or federal law.

Previous coverage from James Lynch: More aggressive stance taken at UW encampment

Cauce also called on campers to dismantle the encampment and leave the Quad voluntarily.

“We again call on members to dismantle the encampment voluntarily for everyone’s safety, end the vandalism to our campus and continue constructive engagement with us on the issues of concern,” Cauce’s statement reads.

She concluded her statement explaining how change will be achieved on the UW campus.

“Change will be through constructive engagement on issues that are important and meaningful to our students and broader campus community,” Cauce said.

The University of Washington community arrived on campus in Seattle on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 and found many buildings surrounding the pro-Palestinian encampment covered with graffiti. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

Response to the UW graffiti

The graffiti, which is impossible to miss when walking through the Liberal Arts Quadrangle, more commonly known as the Quad. A lot of passers-by stopped to read the graffiti and take pictures.

Even those who support the encampment and the cause say the graffiti is a step too far.

“I’m very supportive of the encampment. The graffiti is a difficult aspect of that because there is an element of vandalism to it,” UW student Jacob Menlay said.

More graffiti issues: UW’s ‘W’ sign besmirched with red paint by pro-Palestinian protesters

Other students believe graffiti is a justifiable tactic, given what’s happening in Gaza.

“This can be easily washed off, painted over, but genocide is genocide. We’re talking about people’s lives will end… just like that,” (snapping fingers) UW graduate Nakea Ridders said.

Graffiti on the Quad @ UW. pic.twitter.com/YBA8aJ1AjG

— James L. (@James_KIRORadio) May 15, 2024

Workers spent the day power washing graffiti from buildings.

Contributing: Steve Coogan, MyNorthwest

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The 26-year-old opted not to attend the hearing. A defense attorney was there instead.

Prosecutors were seeking probable cause for the charges of murder in the second degree with a deadly weapon enhancement and witness tampering.

According to court documents, Bellett brushed against the suspect as he was descending an escalator. Then on the platform, there was an argument, a fight, and then the stabbing. The King County Medical Examiner reports Bellett was stabbed or cut three times with a box cutter, including once in the neck and once in the torso.

Past coverage: Man arrested following deadly light rail stabbing of beloved Seattle chef

Prosecutors said the $3 million bail is necessary.

“That is based on both a danger to the community that the defendant would pose if he were released, as well as the significant risk of flight should he be released,” Sr. King County Dep. Prosecutor Jason Brookhyser said.

But the defense had a different view. They said that the use of force by the suspect may have been warranted.

“A reasonable inference can be made that getting shoved, unprovoked, next to the light rail tracks could give rise to reasonable belief of imminent harm or death,” defense attorney Brooks DePeyster said.

Bellett worked at Harry’s Fine Foods and was a beloved chef in the Seattle restaurant community.

“We’re all connected, somehow,” Shea Bigger, a local bar server told KIRO 7. “We all have mutual friends. So, it does, you know, you feel it.”

Back at the light rail station, passengers are calling for more security.

“More security presence on the trains, on the platforms, where all the heavy traffic is,” light rail passenger George Alvarez told KIRO Newsradio.

A Sound Transit spokesperson told KIRO Newsradio that attacks like this are extremely rare and the trains are very safe.

However, Bellett’s death is the second time this year that someone has been killed at a Link light rail station.

The name of the suspect hasn’t been released because he hasn’t been charged yet. He’s due back in court Thursday afternoon.

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Witnesses told police the chef got into a fight with two men that quickly resulted in the man being stabbed several times. He died a short time later.

On Monday, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported a 26-year-old man was arrested in connection to the stabbing. The U.S. Marshals task force arrested the man in Eatonville. He was booked into the King County Jail on investigation of murder.

“You don’t know what people are carrying. You don’t know what mind frame they’re in and what type of attitude they’re in at the moment. People are just full of anger and rage,” light rail passenger DeAngelo McClellan told KIRO Newsradio.

Harry’s made the decision to close its doors on Mother’s Day. The restaurant was closed again on Monday. The plan is to support workers and reopen at a later date.

According to KIRO 7, the chef’s death is being felt by Seattle’s close-knit restaurant community.

“We’re all connected, somehow,” Shea Bigger, a local bar server told KIRO 7. “We all have mutual friends. So, it does, you know, you feel it.”

Back at the light rail station, passengers are calling for more security.

“More security presence on the trains, on the platforms, where all the heavy traffic is,” light rail passenger George Alvarez told KIRO Newsradio.

Sound Transit said attacks like this are extremely rare and the trains are very safe. Still, passenger and driver security is top of mind, and security upgrades are happening all the time.

“We have almost 500 security officers available to us, more than double the number that we had in place in 2022. Folks will be seeing an increased presence of security officers on the train because we want to reassure riders that riding the trains are safe,” Sound Transit spokesman John Gallagher told KIRO Newsradio.

Gallagher also said if you see something you can easily call or text Sound Transit security for help.

“If people see anything that makes them uncomfortable, or they feel is suspicious they should call or text our security and that number is 206-398-5268,” Gallagher said.

If you’re a regular rider, it might be a good idea to lock the number into your phone so it will be readily accessible should you ever need it.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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“This is a crime of opportunity. The path of least resistance. It’s open. It’s obscured from the road. Somebody is trying to save a buck, but for us, I see escalation that could be overwhelming,” Crain said.

Crain and his Parishioners have reason to fear escalation. Over the past year, vandals have hit the church numerous times. They’ve broken into the building, smashed windows, sprayed graffiti and dumped used construction material … now this.

“It’s discouraging. It’s frustrating,” Crain said.

Other news: 5 juveniles, all under the age of 17, arrested after high-speed pursuit

To add insult to injury, the cleanup is not simple and will likely be very expensive. There are laws governing how one can legally dispose of this many old tires.

“One of my members called the Department of Ecology. It’s toxic. It’s a serious problem. It has to be removed by a contractor who is permitted and licensed to do this kind of work,” Crain said.

Vandals dumped 100 old tires in the backyard of a Shoreline church. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

The church has been unable to find a local contractor to properly and legally remove the tires. A contractor in Oregon is making the trip north to bid on the job this week.

Harley said he has no idea how much it will cost his congregation, but he fears the church’s ability to serve the community will suffer, at least in the short term.

“Every month we do what we call the Mission of the Month to serve the community. Sometimes it’s an international ministry we support. Sometimes it’s local ministries, food banks and housing for women and children. Because of this, we’re the Mission of the Month,” Crain said.

If you would like to help the Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, you can call the church directly at 206-365-6565.

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There also seems to be a shift in the mood. There were several people wearing all black, some were carrying gas masks and one man was carrying what looked like a can of bear spray. Police said it is legal to carry but it could be an indication that trouble is expected.

“We all believe in a variety of tactics. I’m out here cooking meals for people and there are different people who have different ideas on how to address issues here today,” encampment spokesperson Mathieu Chabaud said.

Past coverage: ‘I’m here as a Jewish person:’ UW pro-Palestinian encampment expands to 60 tents

About a five-minute walk from the encampment, on the Hub lawn, conservative activist, and founder of the conservative TurningPointUSA, Charlie Kirk was holding the first of two events on campus. The first was his “Prove Me Wrong” event, where people challenged Kirk on any number of issues. There was a heavy security presence – UW Police and a private, plain clothes, security team to protect Kirk. The crowd was relatively small, about 60 people.

However, people in the encampment asked the university to cancel Kirk’s visit, but their request was denied.

“He has consistently put forth a racist, homophobic and sexist agenda on college campuses,” Chabaud said. “When we look at the rollback of diversity programs across the south … he’s pretty much directly to blame right there, so that’s just the tip of the reason why I don’t think he should be welcome on this campus.”

UW spokesman Victor Balta sent a statement to KIRO Newsradio, stating that UW organizations are free to invite speakers.

“Charlie Kirk was invited to speak by one of the UW’s registered student organizations, which are free to extend invitations to guest speakers,” Balta stated. “Our priority is the safety and security of our campus community. We recognize that tensions are especially high due to events around the world and our hope is that people with opposing views refrain from seeking confrontations and avoid antagonizing one another.”

The university said it continues to monitor developments in the encampment and will take the appropriate actions to ensure campus safety.

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“Our guys are coming in at $25 per hour and are a couple thousand dollars away from being eligible for food stamps, right now,” union Vice President John Riggsby said.

Union leaders said that has led to a revolving door at Boeing’s private fire department and paramedics are included.

Background: Boeing locks out private firefighters in Seattle over pay dispute with strike looming

“Despite extensive discussions through an impartial federal mediator, we did not reach an agreement with the union,” Boeing said in a statement, according to The Associated Press. “We have now locked out members of the bargaining unit and fully implemented our contingency plan with highly qualified firefighters performing the work of (union) members.”

The company offered firefighters a pay raise, but union reps said it was not enough to ensure the safety of firefighters and Boeing employees who depend on the private team of firefighters as its first responders.

“They’re having to either work a second job or find employment elsewhere, so we’re having a hard time keeping people in our department because of that,” Riggsby said.

The firefighters serve as first responders to fires and medical emergencies and can call in help from local fire departments.

There is no word yet on when or if contract negotiations might resume.

Firefighters said they will stay on the picket line as long as possible. None of them is getting any kind of compensation while on the picket line.

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However, over the years parents have had to contend with more than just the other team. They have to deal with people drunk, high on drugs or harassing volunteers. Some have even been assaulted.

The Rainier District Little League  (RDLL), which sanctions most Little League games at the park, said harassment and assaults of volunteers working at the snack shack have become untenable.

‘Under the abundance of caution, the snack shack will open no earlier than 1 hour after the first game starts and close down no later than 1 hour before the last game ends. We don’t want any RDLL volunteers working solo setting up or closing down when there is not ample RDLL community members present,” RDLL President Craig Hanela said in an email to parents.

The park has long hosted RDLL games. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has acknowledged the importance of the park. Major League Baseball helped fund improvements to the baseball fields. A new basketball court was installed a few years ago and the tennis courts host regular tournaments.

Other local crime: 2 more burglary suspects accused of targeting Asian, East Indian owners arrested

It is a popular gathering place on most days and families gather here from sunup to sundown.

However, most parents we spoke with admit, there are problems.

“When you see someone doing questionable things off in the corner, you see smoke come out or you see them kind of huddled away toward the bathrooms, or the darker corners of the area, there’s reason to be concerned,” Parent Nate Woods said.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has increased patrols at the park, particularly in the evening and on the weekend, but the problems persist.

“I have been avoiding this park, even though it’s in front of my house and I have a kid, because there’s a lot of weird people, drunk or on drugs. I was there with my daughter and some drunk person was approaching us and staring at us, so we just left. Someone needs to do something,” Mother Aline Fernandez-Robinson said.

Some parents said SPD needs to do more to keep the bad elements out so good, positive, life-enriching things can continue to happen at the park without fear of being harassed or assaulted.

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The UW Progressive Student Union started the encampment. They are now joined by students with the UW United Front for Palestinian Liberation. They call it a united encampment.

“We’re to support the same cause. We’re all here as one united group, supporting each other. We’re here to demand that UW cut all material and academic ties with Israel. That we cut all ties with Boeing, and protect all pro-Palestinian students, workers, and faculty,” organizer Oviya Krishnan said.

Past coverage: Pro-Palestinian UW encampment doubles by second day

Wednesday morning was a quiet one at the encampment. There was no bullhorn, no chanting and students came and went as their class schedules dictated.

However, passers-by noticed there were piles of wooden pallets at the camp.

Some fear demonstrators might use them to re-enforce the encampment if an escalation happens. Organizers insist their movement is strictly business.

Passers-by noticed piles of wooden pallets at a pro-Palestinian encampment on the UW campus. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

“We don’t have any plans for escalation. We have a divestment group working very strongly together to put together our divestment resolution in front of the Board of Regents at the University of Washington,” Krishnan said.

Opponents call the encampment anti-semitic. One demonstrator took issue with that. His name is Joe and he’s a member of the UW Jewish Voices for Peace AND the UW United Front for Palestinian Liberation. I asked him why he was at the encampment.

“My family history teaches me something about the importance of not being complicit in a genocide. And I’m here as a Jewish person saying that the University of Washington needs to do more to end this complicity and genocide,” Joe said.

Organizers said they will remain at the encampment until their demands are met.

The united encampment seems ready for a long stay. There are two food pantries, with cases of bottled water and plenty to eat. It even has medical supplies and a library.

The united pro-Palestinian encampment seems ready for a long stay. There are two food pantries, with cases of bottled water and plenty to eat. It even has medical supplies and a library. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

The university seems to be taking a wait-and-see approach.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and respond as appropriate to maintain a safe and secure environment for our campus community,” UW spokesperson Victor Balta said in a written statement to KIRO Newsradio.

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“We want the University of Washington to materially divest from Israel, cut ties with Boeing, and for the university to end the repression of pro-Palestinian staff, students and faculty,” Matthieu Chabaud said.

Day 1: Pro-Palestinian encampment on UW campus continues to grow

The encampment doubled in size overnight to 12 tents.

There are fewer students at the encampment but protesters said the support from passers-by is palpable.

“The community support that we see each day, continues to inspire me. Even if people can’t stick around, they show a lot of support in other ways,” Chabaud said.

While encampments at other universities have turned violent, the demonstration at UW has remained peaceful.

Passersby said they support the students’ rights to protest.

“They’re not harming anybody. They’re not blocking anything. Everybody has a First Amendment right to protest, and as long as they continue to do so peacefully, I think they should be allowed to do so,” said a woman who wanted anonymity.

During the demonstration Tuesday, protesters learned that the Biden Administration is considering bringing some Palestinians from Gaza to the United States through Egypt. To qualify they must have family members here with legal status.

Protesters call it a good start.

“If he’s just considering that now, then he needs to stop considering. He needs to do it. But, I think for those who have seen their family members killed, it’s significantly too late. As long as the United States continues to supply the bombs that are dropped on Gaza, saying that we’re going to try to help out some people is not enough, quite frankly,” Chabaud said.

The UW administration released a statement that reads: “We will continue to monitor the situation and respond as appropriate to maintain a safe and secure environment for our campus community,” UW spokesperson Victor Balta stated.

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The encampment is sponsored by the UW Progressive Student Union and mirrors protests on college campuses across the country.

Earlier this month, police arrested student protesters at the University of Southern California, hours after police at a Texas university aggressively detained dozens in the latest clashes between law enforcement and those protesting the Israel-Hamas war on campuses nationwide.

At New York University, police said 133 protesters were taken into custody, while over 40 protesters were arrested at an encampment at Yale University, reported The Associated Press (AP).

More protests: Western Washington students walk out against Israel-Hamas war

Columbia University averted another confrontation between students and police. University President Minouche Shafik had set on Tuesday a midnight deadline to reach an agreement on clearing an encampment, but the school extended negotiations, saying it would continue talks with protesters for another 48 hours.

Columbia graduate student Omer Lubaton Granot, who put up pictures of Israeli hostages near the encampment, told The AP he wanted to remind people that there were more than 100 hostages still being held by Hamas.

“I see all the people behind me advocating for human rights,” he said. “I don’t think they have one word to say about the fact that people their age, that were kidnapped from their homes or from a music festival in Israel, are held by a terror organization.”

Harvard law student Tala Alfoqaha, who is Palestinian, told The AP she and other protesters want more transparency from the university.

“My hope is that the Harvard administration listens to what its students have been asking for all year, which is divestment, disclosure and dropping any sort of charges against students,” she said.

The UW encampment is in the Quad, just off Red Square, and is comprised of a handful of students and half a dozen tents.

Pro-Palestinian Encampment on UW campus pic.twitter.com/p9pYXGmN6k

— James L. (@James_KIRORadio) April 29, 2024

The group has also set up a food pantry and organizers said they are ready to camp until their three demands are met.

Related news: 46 arrested after pro-Palestinian protest shut down SEA Airport road for hours

“We want the University of Washington to materially divest from Israel, cut ties with Boeing, and for the university to end the repression of pro-Palestinian staff, students and faculty,” Matthieu Chabaud said.

The University posted no-camping signs but they were defaced from saying “NO camping allowed” to “ALL camping aloud.”

Students at other colleges and universities were threatened with arrest, school probation, suspension and expulsion.

UW students said they are not afraid of consequences.

“It’s wrong on every level. The reason students are protesting is because they can recognize their university administrations are investing and connecting themselves with genocide. When we see universities suspending and evicting students, that is not the fault of students for protesting, that’s the fault of the university administration,” protestor Matthieu Chabaud said.

A UW spokesperson said they are continuing to monitor the situation.

Contributing: Nick Perry, Jim Vertuno and Acacia Coronado, The Associated Press.

You can read more of James Lynch’s stories here. Follow James on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email him here.

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At the center of the issue is the City of Burien’s public camping ban.

Background: Homeless camping restrictions increase in Burien with new ordinance

The city said the ban is needed to protect the people of Burien and local businesses. Schilling said sidewalks needed to be clear and accessible for the city to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The county simply said the ban is unconstitutional.

Both sides have filed lawsuits against the other. Both are pending.

Exclusive: City of Burien sues King County for breaking contract in homeless camping ban

In the meantime, Schilling, surrounded by Burien business owners at a Thursday morning news conference, said it’s time to stop the legal fight and for both sides to sit down face-to-face and talk.

“We need to get to the table and find a pathway that meets the needs of the City of Burien. That works to get folks off the street and into shelter and services,” Schilling said.

Business owners also weighed in.

“It’s time for government to start working together as adults, solving the homeless issue and stop wasting taxpayer dollars,” Burien business owner Monty Penney said.

Recently: Burien city manager moves to replace police chief as camping ban fight rages

Schilling said Cole-Tindall and Constantine refuse to engage the city. Cole-Tindall said the city just wants to delay.

“Before the city recently changed its public camping ordinance, officers enforced the public camping ordinance in partnership with the city’s social service contractors. Unfortunately, the Burien City Council passed a new public camping ordinance in March that police officers cannot enforce because it is unconstitutional,” Cole-Tindall said. “The City of Burien then discontinued social service contracts, which are necessary to have effective enforcement and compliance with public camping ordinances.”

Cole-Tindall said for her officers to resume enforcement of the public camping ban, all the city has to do is re-adopt the city’s previous, constitutional, camping ban and reengage with social service organizations.

Schilling said the original ban is still on the books and the King County Sheriff’s Office can enforce it whenever Cole-Tindall chooses.

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911 calls started coming in just after 10 o’clock. Callers said a man was down in the street and a passerby was doing CPR. However, the man later died from his injuries at Harborview Medical Center.

“It’s still an active investigation. We don’t know a whole lot, so we’re looking for any witnesses that may have seen what happened,” King County Sheriff’s Captain Cory Stanton said.

After checking nearby surveillance cameras, investigators spotted a jeep believed to have hit the man and drove away. Deputies are asking for the public’s help to track it down.

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“The vehicle we’re looking for is a 2007 to 2016, silver Jeep Compass, that would have front-end grill and hood damage,” Captain Stanton said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has dash camera video at that time and location, investigators ask you call Crimestoppers of Puget Sound at 800-222-TIPS, visit www.P3Tips.com, or use the Crimestoppers P3 Tip App. Tips are anonymous.

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Similar student-organized demonstrations were held all over Western Washington and around the country at high schools, colleges and universities.

The students demanded an end to aid for Israel. They held signs saying “Genocide is never justified.”

West Seattle High School students held a pro-Palestinian rally. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

After a short rally at their school, the students marched about a mile to the West Seattle Junction, West Seattle’s downtown.

Along the way, students stopped to protest outside a McDonald’s and a Starbucks. They called the two international companies complicit in genocide in Gaza.

“You’re supporting genocide, McDonalds you can’t hide,” the group shouted.

Pro-Palestinian student demonstration at West Seattle High School. pic.twitter.com/c8tJTWswAG

— James L. (@James_KIRORadio) April 23, 2024

Then at Starbucks, “Free, free, free Palestine.”

More West Seattle High School student Pro-Palestinian demonstration. @ The Junction. pic.twitter.com/700BZTYXqM

— James L. (@James_KIRORadio) April 23, 2024

Along the march, the students were joined by people walking on the street, who felt the same way they did.

“I just full-heartedly support it. It makes me so proud of my city. It makes me so proud of these kids and I love to see it,” Katherine Kirk told KIRO Newsradio.

KIRO Newsradio also spoke with a neighbor who supports awareness of the younger generation.

“I think it’s great. I think young people need to get involved. They need to start voting. They need to start getting more involved with politics,” neighbor Robin Kaspar said.

The students also called for an end to what they call the suppression of pro-Palestinian students. They want schools to take action to prevent anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab and Islamophobic sentiments.

Earlier this week, dozens of protesters were arrested at New York University and Yale, the gates to Harvard Yard were closed and Columbia canceled in-person classes to try to diffuse tensions over the war, reported The Associated Press (AP) on Tuesday.

“It’s a really outrageous crackdown by the university to allow the police to arrest students on our own campus,” New York University law student Byul Yoon told The AP. “Antisemitism is never OK. That’s absolutely not what we stand for and that’s why there are so many Jewish comrades that are here with us today.”

The AP stated the protests have “pitted students against one another.” Pro-Palestinian students want their universities to condemn Israel’s assault, while Jewish students feel their criticism is turning antisemitic and feel unsafe.

The West Seattle rally and march were peaceful and non-disruptive. Following the protest, most of the students returned to class.

Similar demonstrations were held at other local high schools and in Capitol Hill’s Cal Anderson Park.

According to the Guardian, the death toll in Gaza is over 34,000 and nearly 77,000 people have been wounded.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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Parkgoers told officers it seemed the driver was intentionally trying to hit people, according to the Auburn Police Department. Police said the man did hit a 20-year-old woman and left her with minor injuries.

A driver tore through a park in Auburn. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

Other crime: Break-in of North Seattle motorcycle dealership causes heavy damage

Instagram user @seattlesubmissions1 posted a video of the reckless stunt. You can watch it here.

Auburn police also released a video but it was taken from bodycam footage of the arrest. You can watch it below:

Police believe the situation was related to domestic violence.

“Early investigation leads officers to believe that this could be a domestic violence situation and the driver was targeting a significant other,” Auburn Police spokesperson Kolby Crossley said.

An enclosure around a children’s soccer field and a utility box were damaged in the park.

A utility box was damaged after a person recklessly drove through an Auburn park. (Photo: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio)

“You can actually get hit and killed. It’s crazy. Very unsafe. There’s a lot of kids running around. It’s really unsafe,” park-goer Zada Wagner told KIRO Newsradio.

Police received numerous 911 calls. Officers rushed to the park and recognized the car leaving the scene.

“It’s extremely dangerous and obviously when we hear that come across our radios we respond extremely quickly because there are kids in that park. There are people in that park just out enjoying their nice Saturday when a car comes crashing through the park,” Crossley said.

Officers were able to arrest the teen and booked him into the King County Jail without incident. He’s expected to be charged with 1st-degree domestic violence assault and felony harassment, among other felony charges.

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“I think they’re reckless. This is a kids’ park. They probably should be severely punished for their actions. I have kids, a four and five-year-old, and they play here all the time,” parent Nathan Langloss said.

Police are continuing to investigate. If anyone has video of the incident, Auburn Police ask that you call 911.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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Washington passed its ban on high-capacity magazines, those holding more than 10 rounds, in 2022. The approval of SB 5078 made it a gross misdemeanor to manufacture, distribute or sell magazines with more than 10 rounds, violating the Washington Consumer Protection Act.

A local gun shop owner sued and last week, Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor ruled the ban is unconstitutional.

Past coverage: Judge rules Washington’s ban on high-capacity magazines is unconstitutional

Bashor argued that for Washington to have specific firearm regulations that aren’t consistent with the rest of the country, the state must have historical legislation adopted around the time the Second Amendment was created.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson called Bashor’s ruling “incorrect.” While Johnston granted it.

“Every court in Washington and across the country to consider challenges to a ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines under the U.S. or Washington Constitution has either rejected that challenge or been overruled,” Ferguson said in response to the ruling. “This law is constitutional.”

The state is appealing Bashor’s ruling to Washington’s highest court and the ban remains in place. Now Johnston will decide whether the ban remains in place until the full court decides.

“Those magazines are part of the firearm, and you just can’t go around banning guns like that,” Dave Workman with the 2nd Amendment Foundation said.

But supporters of the ban see things differently.

“Even if a good number of the community would not do any harm with those magazines, a very small population would cause a very large degree of harm and destruction,” Zach Pekelis with the Alliance for Gun Responsibility said.

Related coverage: Gun store in Federal Way faces $3M fine for selling high-capacity mags

Johnston said he plans to decide sometime next week, but he seemed to signal which way he is leaning.

“I don’t buy this idea that you need to have an AR-15 or glock or something with 15, or 30 or whatever rounds. I don’t find that persuasive,” Johnston said.

Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest

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