Almost seven weeks ago on July 3, a citizen of Kitsap County, Stonechild Chiefstick, was shot at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park in Poulsbo amidst crowds gathered to watch fireworks in celebration of our country’s Independence Day. The Kitsap County Incident Response Team (KCIRT) is investigating the shooting. No report or statement has been issued to date.

Given the fear and uncertainty expressed by residents of Kitsap County since the shooting, the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights expresses our support of the Suquamish Tribal Council’s request, published in the August 7, 2019 issue of the Kitsap Sun, that at the “conclusion of the independent commission investigating the incident” the following concerns are adequately and transparently addressed:

— What led the police to use deadly force rather than any of the many non-lethal methods available to a trained and well-equipped police force • What led to the decision to discharge a weapon in a crowd of people, including many families and young children

— Whether law enforcement authorities will make an objective determination about whether to prosecute this shooting.

— What role racial profiling may have played in the incident

The mission of the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights is twofold. First, we are tasked with advising county government and Kitsap County residents on issues related to discrimination, violence and harassment based on race or national origin, religion, age, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, or economic status. Second, we are to promote equitable treatment of all citizens and reduce prejudice through the development of prevention policies, education, resource, referrals, and advocacy.

In our opinion, an adequate and transparent response to the concerns raised by Kitsap County residents and the Suquamish Tribal Council are necessary to promote equitable treatment of all citizens in Kitsap County.

Marcie Mathis, chair, Kitsap County Council for Human Rights

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