Seattle neighborhood sets up barricades to deter gun violence, but roadblocks are an illegal barrier to first responders
Residents said at least eight shootings in a month pushed them to block streets, while others warned the barricades could slow emergency responders.
- Residents near North 98th Street and Linden Avenue North spent Memorial Day weekend piling dirt, gravel, logs and concrete into roadblocks that partially block access to three residential streets near Aurora Ave, after documenting at least eight shootings within roughly 10 blocks over the past month.
- Gunfire targeting homes, including one that sent bullets near a six-week-old baby's bassinet, prompted supporters who believe shootings are tied to prostitution-related activity along the Aurora corridor to take action.
- Despite Greenwood recording fewer shots-fired calls this year compared to 2025, residents remain deeply concerned, with resident Kate saying, "We celebrate when there's not a shooting," while supporters hope city leaders will address the underlying violence.
- Sunday's confrontation between residents near the barricades exposed neighborhood divisions, as opponents including River Alexander worry street obstructions could delay firefighters and medics trying to reach homes in the area.
- Resident Peter Orr said, "It's either this, or bullets in my neighbors houses," capturing the perceived tradeoff, though unauthorized street obstructions face potential removal orders and city billing under Seattle rules; Seattle police told KING 5 they understand residents' concerns and continue patrolling the Aurora corridor as time and call load allows.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Terrified Seattle neighborhood builds massive barricade across streets amid horrific crime wave
Residents in a troubled Seattle neighborhood have begun erecting large homemade barricades across residential streets after a surge of gun violence left many fearing for their safety.
Krem2 News
Seattle neighborhood sets up barricades to deter gun violence, but roadblocks are an illegal barrier to first responders
Fed up with gun violence, some Seattle residents began building DIY roadblocks. The action has split the neighborhood over what's needed to be safe.
Seattle Residents Build Concrete Barricades Amid Rising Gun Violence in Washington: ‘Love to See Neighbors Taking Initiative’
A North Seattle neighborhood in Washington has become the center of growing debate after residents placed homemade barricades across several streets following a string of shootings near Aurora Avenue. Supporters say the barriers are necessary to protect families and reduce violent traffic moving through the area, while critics warn the blockades could interfere with emergency response access. The situation has drawn attention online as concerns …
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