On the evening of Thursday, July 14th, Pastor Carey Anderson — a senior pastor at First AME Church of Seattle and Auburn and one of two Democratic candidates for State Representative (Position #2) in the 30th Legislative District — was shot close range — twice — by a violent individual armed with a BB gun.
In a press release, Anderson’s campaign explained that Anderson and a volunteer were placing yard signs in unincorporated Auburn when a black sedan driven by a young white male approached, lowered his window, and fired twice at the pastor. Anderson suffered minor wounds to his upper thigh. King County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene and a crime report filed regarding the incident.
“I have to believe that this is a crime driven by hate,” said Anderson.
“I have a hard time believing that a white man posting signage would have been targeted in this way… If anyone has any information regarding the driver please notify the Sheriff’s Department. I am one who believes in second chances, just as I have received second chances in my life as a cancer survivor.”
“I believe this young man can have a second chance as well.”
Anderson is determined to continue his campaign. “I am undaunted…I have never been one to back down from challenge or threat – in fact it’s motivational to me. I will continue to share my story and my vision of positive change and second chances with voters – day and night – through the upcoming election.”
Former state representative Kristine Reeves, who is hoping to return to the House this year, commented on the incident. “Our family’s sincere thoughts and personal prayers go out to Pastor Anderson at this time. There is absolutely no place in our community or our politics for senseless, random acts of violence.”
Anderson showed KING5 where the incident happened in a segment last night.
Republicans C. Mark Greene and Ashli Tagoai are also running for this position. Only the top two candidates will advance to the November general election.
Anderson had recently earned the sole endorsement of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, which advocates for laws to prevent and reduce gun violence.
The assault on Anderson came just days after United States Representative Pramila Jayapal was threatened at her home:
A forty-eight-year-old man allegedly drove past Jayapal’s West Seattle home three times, yelling obscenities, according to neighbors.
One neighbor told police she heard the man yell “Go back to India, I’m going to kill you,” according to documents.
The same neighbor said she’d seen the suspect’s vehicle drive by Jayapal’s house three times that night.
Jayapal called 911 at 11:25 pm and reported: “[Unknown] people are outside [my] house in their [vehicle] who have been [using] very obscene language. [My] husband thinks they may have shot a pellet gun, but unsure.”
The suspect, who may suffer from a mental illness, was subsequently released; however, his firearms were confiscated. Police “obtained a temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order — commonly known as an ERPO — to require the man to surrender his firearms and concealed pistol license, citing concerns about his escalating behavior toward Jayapal and increasing struggles with his mental health,” The Seattle Times reported, having reviewed court records.
Saturday, July 16th, 2022
Democratic State House hopeful Pastor Carey Anderson shot while out campaigning
On the evening of Thursday, July 14th, Pastor Carey Anderson — a senior pastor at First AME Church of Seattle and Auburn and one of two Democratic candidates for State Representative (Position #2) in the 30th Legislative District — was shot close range — twice — by a violent individual armed with a BB gun.
In a press release, Anderson’s campaign explained that Anderson and a volunteer were placing yard signs in unincorporated Auburn when a black sedan driven by a young white male approached, lowered his window, and fired twice at the pastor. Anderson suffered minor wounds to his upper thigh. King County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene and a crime report filed regarding the incident.
“I have to believe that this is a crime driven by hate,” said Anderson.
“I have a hard time believing that a white man posting signage would have been targeted in this way… If anyone has any information regarding the driver please notify the Sheriff’s Department. I am one who believes in second chances, just as I have received second chances in my life as a cancer survivor.”
“I believe this young man can have a second chance as well.”
Anderson is determined to continue his campaign. “I am undaunted…I have never been one to back down from challenge or threat – in fact it’s motivational to me. I will continue to share my story and my vision of positive change and second chances with voters – day and night – through the upcoming election.”
Former state representative Kristine Reeves, who is hoping to return to the House this year, commented on the incident. “Our family’s sincere thoughts and personal prayers go out to Pastor Anderson at this time. There is absolutely no place in our community or our politics for senseless, random acts of violence.”
Anderson showed KING5 where the incident happened in a segment last night.
Republicans C. Mark Greene and Ashli Tagoai are also running for this position. Only the top two candidates will advance to the November general election.
Anderson had recently earned the sole endorsement of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, which advocates for laws to prevent and reduce gun violence.
The assault on Anderson came just days after United States Representative Pramila Jayapal was threatened at her home:
The suspect, who may suffer from a mental illness, was subsequently released; however, his firearms were confiscated. Police “obtained a temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order — commonly known as an ERPO — to require the man to surrender his firearms and concealed pistol license, citing concerns about his escalating behavior toward Jayapal and increasing struggles with his mental health,” The Seattle Times reported, having reviewed court records.
# Written by Rich Erwin :: 3:38 PM
Categories: Elections, Policy Topics, Public Planning
Tags: Safe Neighborhoods, WA-Leg
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