Video: Crowd pushes back Seattle Police from Capitol Hill street racing

One of four people who were shot during a Capitol Hill street racing incident early last Sunday has died, according to a spokesperson with the Seattle Police Department.

“A woman who was in critical condition has succumbed to her injuries," they said.

People flocked to the neighborhood that evening for the Capitol Hill Block Party, an annual outdoor music festival. Unsanctioned street racing and the shooting followed Saturday night performances.

Seattle police said they arrived at East Pike Street and Broadway shortly before 1:30 a.m., after they received a report of reckless drivers and a large crowd.

Shortly before 4 a.m. officers heard gunshots and located two people who had been shot, according to a police press release. Both victims were treated at the scene and at least one was taken to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Two more gunshot victims later arrived at the hospital.

Following the shooting and street racing incidents on July 23, the Seattle Police Department released video of an obstructive crowd that evening. Video shows crowd members throwing debris and drinks on a patrol car. This video was taken about three hours before the shooting that night.

In the wake of the incidents last weekend, Seattle Police Guild President Mike Solan posted a video on Twitter, addressing claims that officers partook in a "sick out."

"We had about half of patrol operations not show up for work," Solan said.

"Saturday night in Seattle, where you have Capitol Hill Block Party, you also had the Taylor Swift concert, you also had a Mariners game, and you add in patrol calls for service, it's a recipe for disaster, because not only did we have half of patrol operations call out for Saturday, but we also had 40% of the people not show for special events."

"Special events" are agreements with third party vendors for public safety services, like concerts and games.

In his video Solan said that due to the "so-called sick-out," he sent an internal memo to membership saying that he understood everyone was tired but that the union can't support a work slowdown. He said it would be illegal.

Solan told KUOW he had no way of verifying whether a sick-out had happened. What he could confirm was that officers are overworked and exhausted.

The Seattle Police Department said they weren't aware of any sick out event staged by police, but there were "higher than normal call outs." Read the full statement below.

Statement from the Seattle Police Department

We are not aware of a “sick out”. We did see higher than normal call outs in patrol on Saturday afternoon. With multiple events happening, our staffing was spread thin throughout the city.

This weekend’s events come on the heels of Pride, 4th of July, and All-Star Week. These events have required large staffing to make sure the activities are safe. We are mindful of the stress and impact on officers.

At the end of the Capitol Hill block party our officers faced an especially challenging situation at Broadway and Pike St. Officers made sound decisions to prioritize life and safety and reduce reckless behavior, as we called in every available city-wide resource.

Shortly thereafter, four people were shot in the same area and city-wide resources were again needed to secure the incident. While officers provided aid to the victims, another shooting occurred nearby. Officers immediately responded and, fortunately, no one was hurt.

We are monitoring staffing levels and will manage available resources with safety in mind.

-Seattle Police Department Public Affairs