SEATTLE — Children from across the city are gathering for the first time since the deadly shooting during a track meet at West Seattle Stadium.
The City Championship meet, organized by Seattle Parks and Recreation, was moved to Chief Sealth High School so kids wouldn't have to return to the scene of the shooting.
Kids are racing for the first time since the deadly shooting caused chaos at West Seattle Stadium last Tuesday, with parents and kids ducking for cover as gunshots rang out.
“I'm excited to get my child out there and running again because it's her favorite thing to do in the whole wide world but I’m nervous about the emotions she will be experiencing,” Washington said.
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Washington’s 6-year-old daughter was on the field when shots rang out in the parking lot, killing 44-year-old Lorenzo Marr, another father who was there to watch his kids race.
Washington, a doctor, tried to help save Marr's life.
The two were also childhood friends.
“As an ER doctor I’ve seen a lot of victims of gun violence, this hits home more than any other,” Washington added.
Sheree Johnson, a 23-year coach with Rainier Beach Track Club, says some kids are sitting out of today's meet.
But others were eager to return to a sense of normalcy.
“I don't think any venue will make them feel safer but this is a start getting them back out here,” Johnson explained.
Police say Marr was targeted.
But community members question how someone would stoop to such violence at an event filled with kids.
And they hope today's race sends a strong message.
“I think what it's going to show them is hey, we're here, not going anywhere, it’s going to make us bigger, better and stronger,” Johnson added.
“As a community we can't be in fear, we can't live in fear,” Washington said.
Cox Media Group
