With more than 300 in attendance, the community on Thursday night let city officials know that an increase in gun violence is not acceptable in Federal Way.

Officials hosted an emergency City Council meeting to discuss public safety and hear from citizens.

While many disagreed on the cause of murders in Federal Way – three were committed this week – nearly all agreed the city’s role in preventing more homicides is vital.

“I want the council and the mayor to answer how they’re going to support our police staff,” said Traci Whiting, who noted she’s friends with some police officers who informed her that the police department was going to cut retirement and let some officers go before the recent crimes happened.

Although the police department currently has seven of 131 budgeted positions open, Police Chief Andy Hwang told the community that they will increase patrols and utilize all available resources. The city will also open up a coalition and host a forum for those who want to be involved in addressing public safety.

For some, that’s not enough.

“Fellow citizens, for years we have heard lip service about public safety and yet people die in our streets,” Federal Way resident and business owner Matthew Jarvis said at the meeting.

Jarvis told city officials that their priorities are wrong, specifically when funding of “pet projects” like the Performing Arts and Event Center. “It’s time for action, not talk.”

Margaret Jordan, a resident of Federal Way for four years, said she’s planning on moving out of city limits this summer because of the decrease in quality of life.

“I think there’s way too much Section 8 housing and all that being built,” Jordan said, as the crowd cheered in agreement.

Jordan said a new apartment complex generates around 40 911 calls a month.

“We are the dumping ground for this, and there’s no excuse, ” she said. “I’m fed up and disgusted with the way this has been handled. You all need to get a handle on getting quality homeowners and taxpayers instead of this being the dumping ground for Section 8 people.”

Seventeen-year-old Saudia Sanders said she doesn’t believe people who use Section 8 vouchers are the problem.

“My family’s on Section 8,” she said. “I’m 17, I work two jobs and I go to Highline [College]. I’m doing what I need to do. So I just don’t think, if we’re going to sit here and going to try to bring the community together, I don’t think it’s a place to bring your discrimination or prejudices because we’re trying to stand together.”

Heidi Gutierrez, the mother of Adam Gutierrez, the third murder victim this week, said it’s simply a matter of overpopulation in Federal Way.

“There’s too many people in a small area,” she said.

Gutierrez said her son’s death was completely unexpected, as he was not involved in any illegal activity.

“He was a UW student, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy… he did nine years,” she said in tears.

Gutierrez was shot to death in a Federal Way neighborhood as he was training for a half marathon with his dog. Police don’t know why he was shot, and it doesn’t appear any of his property was stolen.

Javier Gutierrez, Adam’s father, said his son was waiting to graduate from college in 14 months “in order for him and his wife to start a family.”

“He was responsible enough not to get over his head on things,” he said. “[My wife and I have] been noticing a little evil in our neighborhoods – crime going up. As citizens, we don’t get together enough. If as citizens, we don’t get together, we could go back to our TVs and say ‘poor guy’ to the next guy, but when it hits you… If you don’t get involved in the community, it’s going to happen to somebody else.”

He closed by saying, “I’m not a public speaker. This is tough for me. But it’s tough to lose my son.”

Councilwoman Kelly Maloney, nearing the end of the meeting, said she “agree[s] with so much of what was said” but added that “there are no easy solutions.” Maloney suggested a community coaltion against violence and a moratorium on apartment complex developments, saying there are “loopholes” that make it easier to build apartments in Federal Way.

Hwang said the three shootings this week was a very unusual occurrence, and he suggested people refrain from walking alone at night in secluded areas and call 911 if they see something suspicious.

“We’re relying on citizens to be our eyes and ears in the community,” he said.

So far this year, Federal Way has had 11 assault with a firearm cases. The total for last year was 24.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for anyone who comes forward to help solve the three homicides.

People can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), the police department’s non-emergency line at 253-835- 2121, or visit the department’s anonymous tip website, www.safecityfw.com.