A 26-year-old man was fatally shot while driving through Capitol Hill Wednesday night, sending witnesses scrambling for safety and marking the neighborhood’s first homicide of 2025.
The shooting occurred just after 9:30 p.m. near 10th Avenue and Pike Street, in the heart of Capitol Hill’s bustling nightlife corridor lined with bars, restaurants, and late-night businesses that attract crowds well into the evening hours.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, was shot in the neck while driving northbound. His vehicle continued approximately 60 feet before stopping, and paramedics transported him to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Witness Dorm Peschard was drinking coffee at a nearby café when gunfire erupted. “It sounded like poppers, really loud,” Peschard said. “It was like five shots and then everybody who was working there ran behind the counter and ran to the back.”
The timing and location heightened concerns about public safety in one of Seattle’s most popular entertainment districts. Detective Brian Pritchard noted the potential for greater casualties given the area’s foot traffic.
“There is still a lot of people out here right now and you know people are going to bars and people are doing their celebrations, and it could have been a lot worse,” Pritchard said.
The incident represents Seattle’s 28th homicide this year and Capitol Hill’s first fatal shooting of 2025. Police data indicates the neighborhood has averaged four to five killings annually since 2022, reflecting ongoing public safety challenges in the densely populated area.
For residents and workers in the area, the shooting served as a stark reminder that violence can occur even in Seattle’s cultural and social hub. Peschard expressed hope for reduced violence given the neighborhood’s significance to many residents.
“I hope not too many more happen because I have a lot of friends who live up here, and this is like the epicenter really,” Peschard said. “I hope that there is a lot less of this.”
Detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether the victim was specifically targeted. The motive remains unclear as authorities examine evidence and interview potential witnesses.
Police are requesting anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators as the case develops.
