Hundreds gather in Yakima for anti-violence rally as city sees spike in homicides

YAKIMA – Several hundred people gathered Saturday at an anti-violence rally in Yakima, where they heard speakers urge the community to come together to prevent further shootings and other crimes.

Lifelong Yakima resident Carrie Shannon said she brought her two children, ages 2 and 5, to the Miller Park event to show them a positive example.

“They need to know violence is not the answer,” she said.

That message was echoed throughout the event, which followed a recent forum where law enforcement leaders, government officials and others called on the community to combine resources to address a recent surge in violence.

As participants at the rally enjoyed a sunny day, free hot dogs and face-painting, Yakima police detectives were investigating the city’s latest homicide, reported late Friday just four blocks to the east of Miller Park.

Organizers of the rally set free 10 helium-filled balloons, one for each homicide victim reported this year in Yakima County.

Yakima Mayor Avina Gutierrez challenged the crowd to come forward with their ideas for improving the city.

“Violence is never the answer. We need to start working together and talking,” Gutierrez said.

Booths at the event provided information about various resources, such as domestic violence programs and neighborhood block watch efforts.

County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Brusic and Yakima police Chief Dominic Rizzi were among the law enforcement officials in attendance.

Both have said they need the community to support efforts to solve and reduce crime.

“We need everybody to get involved directly, and we need witnesses” who are willing to stay involved throughout the prosecution of criminal cases, Brusic said in an interview.

“I think the community needs to know we need their help,” he added.

Laura Curiel, of Yakima, the organizer of the rally, said she was pleased with the turnout, which she estimated at about 400 people.

The recent homicides show that too many Yakima Valley residents are being affected by violence and having their lives cut short way too early, Curiel said.

“We’re here to stand up against that,” she said.