King County Courthouse vandalized, as concern for safety grows

To get through the 4th Avenue side of the King County Courthouse, you have to pass by 18 boarded up windows.

Some who were walking out of the building said after looking at it they’re not feeling a sense of security.

“It’s really sad," said Zac Riechert. "I really like to feel safer knowing that the courthouse is protected, and our streets are in good shape. It’s an eye sore and it is a safety issue. I mean, a golf club could kill somebody, and I have to have my head on swivel."

SPD said late Tuesday night a man smashed the windows with a golf club and the suspect is still on the loose.

This incident is a major concern for county workers. Some King County Council members feel security needs to be ramped up.

“It’s deeply frustrating and very scary for the employees at the courthouse," said Reegan Dunn, King County Council Member, District 9. "My employees are very, very concerned about their safety and it’s not a surprising feeling."

We reached out to King County Superior Court, in a statement to KOMO News.

“The King County Courthouse belongs to the people of King County," said Mary E. Roberts, King County Superior Court Acting Presiding Judge. "To see it vandalized is disheartening. We are grateful to the Seattle police and King County’s facilities management division for their response to this incident, and for their necessary and urgent work to improve safety in the area. “

People who work nearby said it’s not just the courthouse that has had to deal with their windows being smashed

“I work in an office, and I like to go walks during my lunch, and I see boarded up windows everywhere," said Christopher Young. "It’s almost kind of like an adventure, just to go to lunch when you’re working in downtown."