Following shooting that wounded 5, community gatherings to resume at Rainier Beach Safeway

The Boys and Girls Club of King County plans to resume its community outreach efforts at the Rainier Beach Safeway following a July 28 shooting in which five people were wounded. A return date has not yet been set.

Over the last three years, organizers have frequently held community gatherings in the grocery store's parking lot in an effort to address the root of gun violence, like that which took place last month. Advocates say there weren't any other instances of violence at the gatherings leading up to last month's shooting.

Marty Jackson is the executive director of the local Boys and Girls Club's SE Network SafetyNet Program, which organizes the community gatherings in question. Jackson grew up in this community and attended high school nearby. She said she's just one of many people working to uphold her community, and encouraged residents to get to know their neighbors.

“We didn't start this motivated by fear — we started motivated by love," she said during a press conference Thursday morning. "I love this place. Sometimes I hate that I love this place so much, but I love this place…love Rainier Beach High School — go Vikings! I’m always gonna say that, y’all. I’m a Viking to the core.”