Shots fired: On the scene with a violence interrupter

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Our Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention works closely with community partners who serve as credible messengers and violence interrupters. On occasion, violence interrupters respond to shootings to help de-escalate situations and check on the safety of people in the community. In the second comic in our series on gun violence prevention, we see this critical work in action.

A comic strip shows two Black men on a city street with an ambulance in the background. They wear shirts that say "Violence Interrupter." The main character, Darrell, says: I'll make some calls to some of our young people. Make sure they're safe!
Darrell is talking on his cell phone to two teenagers. Darrell: You good? Teenager: Man, we're trapped in the sandwich shop.
Darrell on the phone, getting into his car: I'm on my way. Stay put!
Darrell talking on his phone in his car, parked outside a sandwich shop: "I'm out front. Hurry up and get in the car! You don't want to stick around if there's gonna be trouble." The two teens peer out the window, one on his cell phone.
Darrell sees another car with two other teens pull alongside his. He thinks: Uh oh. They're mad and we don't need this to escalate.
Darrell shouts to the teens in the other car, "Hey! Keep going!" One of those teens says to the other, "Aw man! It's big bro! Drive, drive!"
The two teens in the sandwich shop come out and approach Darrel's car. Darrel: "Aye, it's safe to come out. But you need to hurry up and get in the car!"
Darrell is in the car with the two teens, his window rolled down. A police officer speaks to Darrell as Darrell shows his violence interrupter ID. Police officer: You're a violence interrupter? Okay, you're good to go.
The teens are getting out of the car and one says, "Thanks, big bro. Appreciate you." Darrell is thinking: I'll text my supervisor to let them know these two are safe and made it home."
The teens stand in front of a house. Darrell talks to them from the car: "I'll call you in the morning, alright? Call me if you need me. Aye!"
Darrell says to the teens: "Stay safe and keep it peaceful."

About Regional Gun Violence Prevention

The team of adults who serve as violence interrupters strategically engage young people in communities that have been heavily impacted by gun violence. Violence interrupters mentor them in developing life skills and navigating difficult situations, including how to remove themselves from potential violence. They are also involved in conflict mediation, safe passage, safety patrolling at events, and supporting families directly impacted with gun violence.  When needed, violence interrupters actively intervene to prevent a potentially violent situation from escalating.

Learn more about the work of the Regional Gun Violence Prevention:  kingcounty.gov/rgv

Thanks to Brandon Shell and Mark Rivers for their help developing this story. Comic by Ariana Donaville and Meredith Li-Vollmer.

See other comics in this series:

“I got you”: the work of a Violence Interrupter – PUBLIC HEALTH INSIDER

Originally published on February 19, 2025.