By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
In the aftermath of the shooting that took place last week at Garfield High School, community members are being asked to join parents and leaders from the community as they welcome the students back to the school building in a show of support and solidarity. Now more than ever, the community is coming together in unity to support and aid in the healing of the families of all involved in the incident, the students who were impacted, and the greater Seattle community in a broad effort to make them feel safe and supported.
The event, which will be led by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, and a host of community leaders, will begin promptly on the front steps of Garfield at 8:00 a.m. this Tues., June 11. There will be a quick orientation, fellowship, and prayer, and then attendees will break out into groups to cover different doors of the school and begin greeting students when they arrive at 8:30 a.m.
Last Thursday, at 12:30 p.m., Seattle Police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of 23rd Avenue South, where they found 17-year-old Amarr Murphy-Paine, a student at Garfield, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation into the case determined that Murphy-Paine was shot after breaking up a fight. After attempting to intervene in the fight, Murphy-Paine walked away, only to be approached and shot multiple times by the suspect. Murphy-Paine later died at Harborview Medical Center from his injuries.
At press time, Seattle Police still have an active investigation into the incident and are still looking for leads that will help them apprehend the shooter.
The event organizers are asking people to please arrive on time and to be prepared to stay until 9:30 a.m. This event will happen rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.
For more information on the event, please contact [email protected].