SEATTLE—A 28-year-old man, Lebron Givuan, was fatally shot in the chest on the steps of Pursuit Seattle Church in Seattle’s University District on Thursday evening, marking the city’s 23rd homicide of the year. Up to 30 bullet casings were found at the scene.
“A man was murdered in front of his wife and son while walking in to our church tonight,” wrote Lead Pastor Russell Johnson of The Pursuit NW on X. “They turned the house of God into a crime scene. I am outraged.”
Seattle Police responded to reports of gunfire around 7:18 p.m., Thursday, July 31, near Northeast 47th Street and 17th Avenue Northeast, where they found Givuan and attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a suspect flee in a white Hyundai Elantra with black wheels and a shattered front passenger window, and authorities believe the shooting was targeted.
Pursuit Seattle Church is located just minutes from the University of Washington campus, adjacent to student and fraternity housing.
Independent Journalist Jonathan Choe obtained surveillance video of the incident, which showed the shooting that occurred as a young adult service and barbecue were about to begin at Pursuit Seattle Church.
#EXCLUSIVE: I have obtained the surveillance video showing the gang-land style shooting that claimed the life of Pursuit Seattle church member Lebron Givaun. The shooter is still on the run and was last seen in this white Hyndai Thursday evening. 🧵👇pic.twitter.com/dhiVVwhBEa
Givuan, who had recently become a regular attendee and given his life to Jesus Christ, was with his wife and child at the time, though they were unharmed. Church leaders, including Pastor Amy Wuerch, indicated that Givuan may have been targeted due to his past.
“The young man recently gave his life to Christ,” Wuerch told Choe in his interview. “Pastor Fred Young led him to Christ probably about 30 days ago.”
The church remains open for prayer and support, with Sunday services proceeding as scheduled.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes addressed the scene, noting that officers provided emergency aid until the Seattle Fire Department arrived.
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) press release confirmed that homicide detectives, crime scene investigators, and patrol officers processed the area, interviewed multiple witnesses, and reviewed surveillance footage.
Police believe that the incident did not appear random and urged the public not to approach the suspect nor the suspect’s vehicle, as occupants are considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
The timeline from the University of Washington’s alert system: At 7:18 p.m., a report of a shooting with a suspect in a black hoodie fleeing in the white Hyundai Elantra eastbound on 50th Avenue Northeast; by 7:22 p.m., confirmation of Givuan’s chest wound; at 7:32 p.m., the victim pronounced dead and the vehicle reported fleeing northbound; and at 7:43 p.m., ongoing investigation with no believed threat to the area.
Although this is 23rd homicide in Seattle for 2025, SPD shared there were 31 at this time last year.
Pursuit Church is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the homicide Givuan. Anyone with relevant information is requested to contact Pursuit Church at contact@thepursuitnw.com.
Author: Mario Lotmore
