Seattle Police Target ‘Trigger Pullers’ After Deadly Weekend of Shootings

Seattle's interim police chief is facing scrutiny over his use of the phrase "trigger pullers" while discussing known gun-violence suspects after three separate shootings left three people dead and injured three others over roughly 24 hours.

According to Fox News, Interim Chief Andre Sayles used the term during a Sept. 7 news conference as he outlined the Seattle Police Department's response to the weekend violence.

Sayles said police were increasing patrols, working with local businesses and deploying specialized units to address gun violence.

"We’re looking at ways to where we can identify individuals that are known, we call trigger pullers, in our community," Sayles said. "Identifying them, making sure that we’re putting cases on those individuals working with King County Prosecutor’s Office, to bring these individuals to justice."

Seattle police later told Fox News Digital that "trigger puller" is an informal law enforcement term and is not required by department policy. The wording nevertheless drew criticism from local commentator Ari Hoffman, who questioned why the department was not simply referring to the suspects as shooters.

The phrase itself is not unique to Seattle. Former FBI Director Christopher Wray used "trigger pullers" in 2022 while discussing people he described as repeatedly involved in violent crime.

The comments came as Seattle police investigated three shootings in the Belltown area. Sayles said detectives believe the incidents were separate and did not appear to be connected to the deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle.

The first shooting happened early Sunday near Denny Way and Clay Street after a fight following a street takeover escalated into gunfire. A 20-year-old man was killed, while two others were injured.

About an hour later, a woman was fatally shot near Third Avenue and Blanchard Street. Before midnight, another shooting near Elliott Avenue and Bell Street left a 17-year-old dead and a 21-year-old seriously injured.

No arrests had been announced in the three cases when Sayles spoke with reporters. Investigators were reviewing surveillance footage and seeking information from witnesses, while police asked the public to provide tips, photos and videos that could help identify those responsible.

Sayles also said the department was examining whether its resources had been stretched by the shootings and a series of street takeovers. He said police would work with local, regional and federal agencies while trying to identify where the takeovers were being organized.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson also addressed the violence, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families as investigators continued working on the cases.