King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Resolution of Antisemitic and Racist Vandalism at IMS

Dear Mercer Island Community Members,

This afternoon the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO) released a statement on the resolution to the antisemitic and racist vandalism case that happened at Islander Middle School on January 1. The matter is being addressed through a court-based diversion program.

Read KCPAO Resolution of Case Statement

I submitted my recommendation to KCPAO to be used to guide the diversion process. Understanding the KCPAO is the sole decision maker on filing criminal charges I created a plan using four themes to help the KCPAO understand the impact these criminal acts have had on our community. 

The four themes of my plan are:
 1) Educate the two individuals about antisemitism, the holocaust, racism, and hate.
 2) Give students, staff, administrators, City staff, MIPD, and community members a chance to share how the two individuals' actions impacted them personally and/or professionally.
 3) Involve community partners such as the Holocaust Center for Humanity, Stroum Jewish Community Center, Anti-Defamation League and others.
 4) Make an impact on the two juveniles, promote learning that will last a lifetime, and help our community move forward.

The Juvenile Court Services department of the KCPAO will lead the implementation of the court-based diversion program once it has been referred to them by the KCPAO. We understand that this referral will happen next week and remain hopeful that at a minimum they will implement the plan I submitted to Mr. Hung.

The antisemitic and racist hate plastered on the walls of IMS caused deep harm to our community. The consequences being recommended by the KCPAO will be appropriate to some and fall short for others. I will work to ensure our community’s interests are respected and upheld.  

Sincerely,

Fred Rundle