City Council Statement About the Mass Shooting in Colorado on 11/19

Published on November 22, 2022

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Dear Kirkland Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we add our voices to those across the country expressing shock, outrage, and profound sadness over the senseless violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in Colorado this weekend.  Although miles away, this tragic loss of life hits home here in Kirkland.

We do not yet know with certainty the motive of this horrific attack.  However, we cannot ignore that this attack on the LGBTQIA+ community occurred on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance.  Created to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender African American woman who was murdered in 1998, November 20 honors transgender people whose lives have been lost to senseless violence, transphobia, self-harm, and structural inequities.  

Those we lost this weekend, this year, and in years past deserve to be honored and remembered.  Their lives mattered, and they will forever be missed by their friends, family, partners, and community.  

This weekend’s tragedy underscores that there is still so much work to be done in our communities and across the nation to ensure that we can live together with care and respect for each other.  Kirkland is committed to this work.

We will continue to advocate for and promote inclusion.

We will continue to stand alongside LGBTQIA+ organizations, community members, and allies to help raise awareness of the importance of inclusion, protections, and respect for those who are transgender. 

We will continue to work towards a Kirkland where everyone belongs.

We are strengthened by the rich diversity of Kirkland community members of all identities.  To our LGBTQIA+ community members – especially youth – we see you, we grieve with you, and you belong here. 

Sincerely,

The Kirkland City Council