The man who was shot on the University of Washington campus during heated protests last week is calling for “constructive dialogue.”
The 34-year-old man, who was shot in the abdomen and has undergone multiple surgeries, was shot by a supporter of the conservative speaker Milo Yiannopoulos on Jan. 20.
The unidentified man released a statement through his attorney asking to engage with the shooter in hopes of preventing future violence and deescalating tensions.
The circumstances of the shooting are still being investigated by campus police, who have not released information on a possible motive. UW Police Major Steve Rittereiser declined to give an update on the investigation, according to The Guardian.
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The shooting occurred during a chaotic scene as people attempting to shut down the Yiannopoulos event merged with hundreds of anti-Trump protesters who marched onto campus and clashed with Yiannopoulos supporters and police.
More than 100 city and campus police officers in riot gear tried to keep order, breaking up fights and using pepper spray as items including bricks, fireworks and paint were hurled at them.
Following the shooting, the shooter turned himself in to campus police claiming he’d been assaulted and used his firearm in self-defense. He was released by authorities “in consultation with the prosecuting attorney’s office” pending further investigation.
The victim, who is recovering in Harborview Medical Center, says he was on campus to “resist” the appearance of Yiannopoulos and is aware of the “conflicting narratives” surrounding the shooting.
“My client isn’t interested in using the apparatus of the state to punish the individual,” attorney Sarah Lippek said Tuesday. “He’d like to engage in dialogue and a restorative justice process.”
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