Shots fired into City Hall over weekend

Six bullets fired into a second-story window at Spokane City Hall over the weekend prompted the mayor to immediately enact new security measures already planned at the historic building. The shots were fired into a second-story window where engineering services, city projects and public works administration employees are housed. No one was working there over the weekend, officials said. The bullets blasted holes in the windows from two to six inches wide, and bullet fragments were found on the floor inside. City spokeswoman Marlene Feist said the shooting is not the sole reason for upping security at City Hall. The change has been under consideration for several months. The weapon most likely was a handgun, officials said, but that will be verified by the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab. The gun was fired from the Spokane Falls Boulevard side of the building, the city said. “It appears the gun was fired from the sidewalk into the windows,” Spokane Police Detective Brian Hammond said. “There’s no indication that anyone was being targeted,” Hammond added. The second-floor area is mostly open with cubicles. Workers were concerned, but it was business as usual Monday, Feist said. Starting Monday, people were asked to sign in and out of City Hall. Starting today, people will be able to access the building only through the Post Street doors on the first floor and through the skywalk entrance. “We have been working with the Spokane Police Department to determine how to improve security in City Hall,” Mayor Mary Verner said in a press release. “While we haven’t settled on the final configuration of security measures, we’re going to start with these procedures immediately to help improve safety for our employees and the citizens who visit this building.” A sign will direct visitors to the appropriate entrance. The sliding glass doors on the Post Street side still will be used for access to after-hours meetings, including Monday night City Council meetings.