Seattle's interim police chief, Andre Sayles, has drawn criticism for referring to individuals involved in gun violence as "trigger pullers" during a briefing on the city's response to a deadly Labor Day weekend. The terminology surfaced as Seattle grappled with three fatal shootings and multiple injuries within a 24-hour period.
Sayles used the phrase "trigger-pullers" on September 7 while outlining the Seattle Police Department's efforts to address the violence. He stated that officers were increasing patrols, collaborating with businesses and specialist teams, and working with the King County Prosecutor’s Office to identify suspects and build cases for prosecution. He emphasized that the victims' families deserved justice.
The wording quickly became a focal point of online commentary, with critics questioning the use of the less direct term "trigger puller" over "shooter" or "gunman." Some social media users humorously suggested alternative euphemisms for various crimes.
The Labor Day weekend violence included a shooting early Sunday near Denny Way and Clay Street following a street takeover, resulting in one death and two injuries. About an hour later, a woman was found dead from gunshot wounds in the Belltown area. Before midnight, a 17-year-old was killed and a 21-year-old seriously injured in a separate incident. Police indicated these shootings did not appear connected but were investigating any potential links to broader violence patterns.
At the time of Sayles' briefing, no arrests had been announced in connection with the shootings. Detectives were reviewing witness statements and surveillance footage, with one investigation involving hundreds of hours of video.
Sayles also addressed concerns about police resources being stretched by the shootings and ongoing street takeovers. He stated the department would assess staffing and response needs while continuing community engagement.
The term "trigger puller" is not unique to the Seattle Police Department. It has been used by other law enforcement officials, including former FBI Director Christopher Wray in a 2022 speech concerning repeat offenders in gun violence cases. A spokesperson for the Seattle Police Department clarified that "trigger-puller" is an informal term not dictated by departmental policy.
Despite its prior use in law enforcement, the terminology became a point of contention online, with critics emphasizing the importance of the department's ability to apprehend offenders and prevent violence regardless of the language used.