Residents say shots fired at Bayview protest; call for sheriff and prosecutor action

Two Island County residents told the board of county commissioners that shots were fired during a protest at the Bayview Park and Ride on Saturday, and they urged law-enforcement and the county prosecutor to pursue action.

Terica Ginther of Oak Harbor told commissioners the incident went beyond a debate over guns and described community divisions she said followed what she called the "Hoffman Road debacle." "I believe we deserve action from the sheriff on this matter," Ginther said, criticizing what she described as inconsistent enforcement on fireworks and other public-safety issues.

Susan Jensen of Clinton said she was at the Bayview rally and that she heard approximately a dozen shots in a volley across the street. Jensen said she fell to the ground, described herself as 81 years old with heart problems, and called the incident "terrifying." She said the sheriff spoke to the shooter but did not make an arrest and that she had recorded the incident. "The sheriff said it was legal for him to shoot on his own property, but it was clearly intimidation for the protesters," Jensen said. Jensen also said she and others had sent information to the sheriff and the county prosecutor and that local and regional media were following the story.

Speakers at the meeting urged that rights to protest be protected while safety be enforced. County commissioners said they would raise concerns with the sheriff's office and with the prosecutor and encouraged calm, civil engagement across differing viewpoints. One commissioner said they would reach out to the sheriff to ask about enforcement and whether deputies could be increased for times of high use, such as ferry discharges; another commissioner reiterated that they could not speak for the sheriff or prosecutor but urged community members to continue sending information to those offices.

The public commenters called for investigation of witness interviews, clarification of the sheriff's determination that the shooting was lawful on private property, and for enforcement where intimidation occurred. The meeting record shows public comment but contains no formal county action, motion, or vote related to the incident.