Seattle police have arrested a 39-year-old man believed to be involved in a violent hate crime attack against a transgender victim in the University District on Thursday evening.
Officers were called to the 4700 block of University Way Northeast at about 6 p.m. on March 27 after the victim called 911 reporting they were attacked by a group of men on the street using anti-transgender slurs. The victim was able to get away and sought help and shelter in a nearby business. Officers arrived shortly thereafter and found the suspects were gone. The victim suffered major injuries to their face and stomach during the attack. Seattle Fire was called to the scene to evaluate the victim’s injuries.
Seattle police immediately began talking with the victim as well as several witnesses who stayed on scene and shared information about the involved suspects. Through the investigation, officers established probable cause for a hate crime.
Patrol officers were able to connect a suspect vehicle to a suspect involved in a recent incident, who matched the physical characteristics of one of the attackers. Officers located the vehicle and the suspect. The suspect was observed entering a residence. Containment was established surrounding the residence.
North Precinct patrol officers set off a department-wide activation bringing in multiple resources to help the victim, track down the suspect, and ensure an arrest without incident. The case is now being investigated extensively by the SPD Bias Crimes Coordinator.
The investigation is ongoing. At this time, there are outstanding suspects. Anyone with information, photos or video of the incident is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department immediately. Every tip can help. Please call the SPD Tip Line at (206) 233-5000 or email SPD_hatecrimes@seattle.gov.
For more information on the case, please contact the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office who is expected to release initial court filings later this afternoon.
The Seattle Police Department’s Safe Place Program is designed for all hate crimes. The members of the SPD strive to serve all members of our community. We work collaboratively with our communities to have an understanding of what challenges minority communities may face. The Safe Place program is a partnership between the Police Department and businesses. It gives victims of bias or hate crimes a Safe Place to go after their incident, where the business will give them shelter while they call for help. Learn more about reporting hate crimes and the SPD Safe Place Program here.
Incident Numbers: 2025-082004