Recent Gun Violence in Federal Way: A Community Wake-Up Call

On the morning of March 16th, many of us were startled awake by yet another unsettling act of violence in our community. Around 5 a.m., shots were fired at the AM/PM ARCO gas station on Pacific Highway South and South 272nd Street. The bullets hit property and gas pumps, bringing us perilously close to a potential disaster. We are incredibly fortunate that no one was harmed.

Yet the severity of this incident is deeply concerning. Surveillance footage shows multiple individuals firing at a parked car—an act so reckless that even a single stray bullet could have resulted in unspeakable tragedy.

This is not the first time our city has experienced such violence, and it’s understandable that many feel angered, frustrated, and worried. It’s disheartening to think we could become numb to these events, expecting them as part of our daily reality. Hearing gas station owners say conditions are “getting worse day by day” should be a wake-up call for all of us to demand real solutions.

I speak to you not just as a mayoral candidate, but as a neighbor who cares deeply about Federal Way. I can no longer stand by as our city grapples with threats to our safety. My vision for change includes expanding community policing—where officers actively engage and build trust with neighbors—and leveraging technology such as improved lighting and security cameras in areas at higher risk. It’s time to further investigate the root causes driving this violence—likely tied to our education, safety, and budget challenges—and provide the support needed to address them.

It’s also time to reconsider how our city’s priorities and budget allocations align with the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods—especially as we face a budget deficit. We must make thoughtful decisions about where our resources are directed, ensuring that public safety, community engagement, and supportive services are at the forefront. By working together to find responsible and sustainable ways to tackle this crisis, we can ensure that Federal Way remains a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and hopeful about the future.