Kent Loux criticizes Seattle police leadership and juvenile crime laws following a gang-related mass shooting.
Seattle Police Officers Guild President Kent Loux expressed frustration over the delayed communication during a recent gang-related mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival. Loux noted that it took five hours for the department to hold its first briefing and 17 hours to confirm a second shooter, suggesting that the mayor's office may have been micromanaging the process. Loux also criticized state laws regarding youth crime, arguing that current policies embolden juveniles to enter deeper lives of crime. He specifically highlighted the prohibition on interviewing witnesses under 18 without a lawyer, which he believes prevents police from building relationships with younger suspects. Furthermore, Loux pointed out the 'aged-out' policy in King County Jail, where 18-year-olds are often left unprotected from gang hits because they are no longer considered juveniles. Loux argued that these policies are disastrous for public safety and contribute to the rise of juvenile-led robberies and carjackings in the area.