I don't think what they're doing is particularly wise, though I sympathize with their cause. When police conduct stings, they don't just trick people into attacking them and then fight back, and hope they win. They have careful surveillance in place, teams of trained officers to assist, and experience defusing situations. With what these people are doing, I would worry that a) they would get hurt, b) they might be so eager that they'll end up shooting someone who wasn't really going to harm them, or c) they'll "bait" the correct person, but their confrontation will cause harm to others (not only immoral, but they could be charged with recklessly endangering the lives of passersby). As a Seattle resident, I certainly don't want to worry that I'll be walking by the UW and catch a stray bullet from some "bait" playing cowboy in the streets.

Generally, I am actually a big supporter of citizens seizing charge, and even of vigilante justice. I believe we have just as much of a right to defend ourselves, our city, and our property as cops do. I also believe the Seattle Police Department is completely inept and lacks any sort of real leadership. Frankly, any more, I would feel just as safe talking to a gang member as a cop, but it just doesn't sound like these particular vigilant citizens have thought things through. The U District is extremely population dense, and any misstep could cause serious injury to an innocent person. In Washington, you may also find yourself in prison for shooting someone if the prosecutor doesn't agree that that was the minimum amount of force necessary in order to control the situation. I also question whether or not these individuals would really be able to pull the trigger. You never, ever draw a gun unless you are willing to immediately fire it. Otherwise, you're just asking for that gun to be taken away and used against you.

Rather than acting as human bait, they should consider walking in groups, asking the campus and surrounding businesses to provide more outdoor lighting, and teaching assertive techniques to prevent being victimized like keeping your head up, being aware of your surroundings, etc.

Morally, I think vigilantism is okay. I think when criminals harm someone, they are surrendering their right to safety, even if the victim reacts with disproportionate force. However, in this situation I think the individuals are morally in the wrong because they are not taking into account the very high probability that someone innocent will needlessly get hurt.