Someone left a gun in a Bellevue elementary school. The district didn’t tell parents for almost a month A semi-automatic Glock pistol was left in the boys' bathroom at a Bellevue elementary school over winter break by someone who attends a church that rents the school every Sunday. Stephen Howie
Violent crime is on the decline in Washington state and nationwide Preliminary data suggest that rates for violent and property crimes in Washington state fell in 2025, continuing the decline that began two years ago. That was the big takeaway in a briefing for state lawmakers Thursday. Amy Radil
The number of shots fired in King County dropped last summer. Is gun violence on the decline? The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says the number of shots fired during the third quarter of the year has dropped for a second year in a row. Noel Gasca
Gun deaths among high schoolers on the rise, WSU study finds Firearm-related deaths are up dramatically among middle- and high school-aged youth, according to a new study led by Washington State University researchers. Emily Fitzgerald/Washington State Standard
Mayor Harrell announces funding to address gun violence in Seattle Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced nearly $15 million for services supporting people affected by gun violence. Noel Gasca
Concealed carry licenses in Washington jump after approval of gun permit law The number of Washingtonians licensed to carry concealed pistols is climbing rapidly in the face of a new state law that will require prospective gun owners to secure a state permit before purchasing a firearm. Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard
Family of Garfield High student fatally shot on campus sues Seattle Public Schools The family of a 17-year-old Garfield High School student shot and killed at lunchtime last year is suing Seattle Public Schools, alleging negligence. Ann Dornfeld
Guns killed 3 Tacoma teens in a week. The community must ‘dig in,’ school board president says At least seven teenagers in Tacoma and elsewhere in Pierce County have died from gun violence this year. Three of those teens were killed in a week. KUOW Staff
2 security guards on duty, video surveillance: Seattle passes new safety regulations for after-hours lounges The regulations are aimed at curbing a trend of violence associated with the venues, which have been at the center of several shootings and fights. Natalie Akane Newcomb
Some cities are ditching ShotSpotter. Tacoma still wants the gunshot detection technology Tacoma plans to install acoustic gunshot detection technology this spring in an area that has been the site of several homicides in recent years. But not everyone is convinced the ShotSpotter system will lead to a reduction in gun-related crimes. Libby Denkmann
