FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Maria Lee, Media and Communications, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054

A Statement From the City Council on Recent Acts of Violence Across the United States

“This weekend’s horrific shootings which targeted people based on their race and national heritage has sent shockwaves of grief, fear, and outrage across the entire nation, including right here in Tacoma. 

As your Mayor and Council, we express our deepest condolences and heartfelt support to the families and communities traumatized by these events. To our residents here in Tacoma as well as the communities who have had their lives impacted and disrupted by this violence, we want you to know that we stand with you, offer our support, and condemn those who would perpetrate such heinous acts. 

The City of Tacoma will continue to work with our community leaders, including those involved in the work of Heal the Heart, a community-led effort to transform Tacoma into an anti-racist city. We will also continue to work with our state and federal lawmakers to support common sense gun control legislation as well as programs that prevent violence by addressing its root causes. We will do so in a way that is equitable and informed by those who have been most impacted.  

We cannot allow hate, racism, and bigotry to stand in our communities. The consequences are too dire. We must call it out, and condemn it. We are Compassionate Tacoma, and we as a City will continue to drive toward a sense of safety and belonging for everyone in our community, our state, and our nation. We must do more, and we will do more.” 

###