A group pushing the idea of “100 Days of Peace” slowed traffic on Interstate 5 in Seattle July 5, claiming the idea was to raise awareness, but it hasn’t seemed to accomplish much other than irritate the region’s already-frustrated motorists.
According to KING5 News, the local NBC affiliate, the intentional traffic snarl was dubbed “Traffic Jam for Peace.” The group behind this event was identified as Urban Family.
The demonstration came on the heels of another fatal shooting in the area, at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood. There, a 13-year-old girl identified as Jayda Woods-Johnson, was hit when a fight erupted between two groups of teens. Allegedly, a 16-year-old drew a gun and opened fire.
It is illegal for anyone under age 21 to carry a concealed handgun in Washington. The teen was reportedly turned in by his mother, and incredibly was bailed out of jail, after bail was set at $500,000, according to the Seattle Times.
The girl’s mother, Tabatha Johnson, issued a statement: “We are extremely disappointed and disgusted to learn the mall shooter, the 16-year-old, responsible for murdering our daughter, is shockingly already out on bail back comfortable in his home. This is completely unreasonable and an example as to why this continues to occur too often in our country, our justice system isn’t taking a strong enough stand against those who are committing these senseless acts of violence.”
Fox News reported the traffic jam had “a collective sense of purpose.” The story quoted Shantelle Patu, executive director of Urban Family, who stated, “We should not have to stand around and figure out ways for our kids to live…Violence is a disease. We need to address this because our kids are caught up in it.”
The young teen killed at the mall was an innocent bystander. So far, there are no published details about what started the fight, or about the suspect, who could be charged on Tuesday. It also was not clear where he allegedly obtained the gun used in the slaying.
