Claiborne Bell, the owner of Distinguished Foods, the West Seattle commissary kitchen where a 29 year old man was shot to death by an as yet unknown assailant, offered his thoughts on the incident in a press release on Friday.

"Distinguished Foods Kitchen expresses its deepest sorrow following the tragic incident that took place in our beloved West Seattle community on Wednesday. Our hearts go out to the victim's family and friends as they navigate this unimaginable loss. In moments like these, words fall short, but we offer our sincerest condolences and unwavering support to those affected by this senseless act of violence.

We are incredibly thankful that no further injuries occurred, and we extend our gratitude to the first responders and community members who acted swiftly in the face of tragedy. The safety and well-being of our community are our highest priorities, and we stand with West Seattle as we collectively heal from this event.

At Distinguished Foods Kitchen, we remain committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for our employees, tenants, patrons, and the neighborhood at large. While this incident has left us shaken, it also strengthens our resolve to support one another during times of hardship.

As we move forward, we are reminded of the resilience of the West Seattle community. We will continue to work with local leaders to ensure that our streets and businesses remain safe spaces for all."

Claiborne Bell