Update on Incident Involving Shots Fired at CT Coach, April 18, 2025

Dear ATU 1576 Family,

Many of you may have already heard, or seen on the news, about the serious and disturbing event that occurred last night involving one of our union brothers behind the wheel of a Community Transit 701 NB bus. I want to provide you with an accurate update and assure you that we are actively engaged in both supporting the operator involved and monitoring the situation as it continues to develop.

Shortly after the incident, I was contacted by a CT manager who informed me that there had been gunfire directed at one of our coaches. Community Transit remained in close contact with the union throughout the night and kept us informed as new details emerged. I want to thank them for their responsiveness and transparency.

Most importantly, I want to commend the operator involved, who, in a terrifying and volatile moment, responded with incredible calm and professionalism. He quickly closed the bus doors and drove away from the scene, removing the vehicle — and the passengers onboard — from danger. There is no doubt in my mind that his swift response saved lives.

Here’s what we know about the incident:

At 9:05 p.m. a disturbance occurred onboard a 701 NB coach near Highway 99 and 200th Street in Lynnwood. Several passengers exited the bus at that stop, and shortly after doing so, one or more suspects fired three shots — one into the air, and two directly at the coach. The bus was struck by gunfire, but no one was injured. There were about five to six passengers in close proximity at the time.

Lynnwood police, along with our Transit Security Officers and CT Supervisors, were notified and those dispatched to the scene responded swiftly and professionally. Lynnwood Police Department is leading the investigation. A multi-agency law enforcement response was launched immediately, including the King County Sheriff’s helicopter and a Police K9 unit from Mill Creek. Despite these efforts, the search concluded around 10:14 p.m. with no suspects located.

One unresponsive passenger at the back of the coach initially raised concerns that he may have been shot, but it was later determined that he was intoxicated. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

This morning, I was able to speak directly with our brother who was operating the coach. I offered him the full support of our union. He is in good spirits and expressed gratitude for the immediate assistance he received and relief that no one was harmed.

This incident is deeply troubling to all of us, and it is, unfortunately, part of an ongoing and unacceptable escalation of violence and disruptive behavior in our public transit system. ATU 1576 remains fully committed to being part of the solution, demanding better protections for our members, and ensuring that our voices, as frontline workers, are heard and respected.

Please continue to look out for one another. If you are feeling shaken, concerned, or simply need to talk, know that your union is here for you. We are stronger together, and we will not stop fighting for your safety, your dignity, and your peace of mind on the job.

In unity and respect,

Dani Julien

President, ATU Local 1576