2 Seattle Councilmembers Urge Aurora Street Closures as Crime Surge Fuels FIFA Trafficking Fears
Updated
Updated · FOX 13 Seattle · Jun 9
2 Seattle Councilmembers Urge Aurora Street Closures as Crime Surge Fuels FIFA Trafficking Fears
3 articles · Updated · FOX 13 Seattle · Jun 9
Summary
Debora Juarez and Joy Hollingsworth pressed Mayor Katie Wilson to immediately close neighborhood streets off Aurora Avenue, saying shootings, prostitution and trafficking have become a public safety crisis.
10 p.m. to 6 a.m. gunfire and drive-by spillover into side streets have fueled resident anger; hundreds joined a weekend march after saying current city barriers are too weak.
Wilson has said the city needs a quick study because full closures could affect emergency access, but the councilmembers argue the mayor can act now without new legislation.
12-, 13- and 14-year-old girls being sexually exploited on Aurora were highlighted by Hollingsworth, who warned FIFA's arrival could intensify trafficking risks.
Communication strains added to the dispute: Juarez said she has never had a direct policy conversation with Wilson, while City Attorney Erika Evans pushed instead for a dedicated prosecutor to target guns on Aurora.