Second Trial of the 2006 Jewish Federation Shooter Set to Begin

Opening statements are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 21 in the second trial of Naveed Haq, who on July 28, 2006, forced his way into the downtown offices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and opened fire, killing Pamela Waechter and wounding five other women: Layla Bush, Carol Goldman, Dayna Klein, Christina Rexroad and Cheryl Stumbo. While there is no argument that he committed the acts, the first trial ended in a mistrial.

Richard Fruchter, the President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, released the following statement:

“Having to endure a second trial is an unfortunate reality, but one we are committed to seeing this through,” expressed Richard Fruchter, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. “As we bear witness once again to the violence of that Friday afternoon, we want to help our colleagues and community members move past this painful portion of their lives; ensure that Mr. Haq never again has the opportunity to cause such devastation in people’s lives; and send a clear message that such acts of hate are not tolerated in our greater Seattle community.”

Over the past three years, the organization has made a strong recovery, last year raising $6 million and granting nearly $10 million to social service and educational organizations locally and worldwide. A few weeks ago, the Jewish Federation held its largest fundraising event in our community’s history.

Since the 2006 shooting, other anti-Semitic hate crimes have occurred, such as the shooting at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC and, just one month ago, the defacing of two Seattle synagogues with spray painted Nazi swastikas. These hate crimes reinforce the need to pair judicial punishment with broad community outreach and education.

“The memory and spirit of Pam [Waechter] will forever be an inspiration to our staff and volunteers,” reflected Fruchter.

Jewish Federation Statement on Second Trial Start.doc