Update 11/5/25 6:00PM
Under state law (RCW 10.114.011 and WAC 139-12), the release of information relating to the 10/30 officer-involved shooting investigation is being managed by the King County Sheriff’s Office, which is serving as an Independent Investigative Team (IIT) for SPD.
The King County Sheriff’s Office Independent Investigations Team has authorized the Seattle Police Department to release the following video that provides a brief overview of what occurred.
SPD continues to collaborate with KCSO to obtain approval to release information that will not compromise their independent criminal investigation. SPD will release additional information as soon as possible, consistent with the department’s commitment to transparency and legitimacy, as allowed under state law.
Update 11/3/25 11:55AM
Seattle Police Department Policy 1.115 – Media Release Officer-Involved Shooting is “intended to balance the integrity and credibility of an investigation with public transparency,” and requires SPD to take the following actions within 72 hours of an officer-involved shooting:
- Release the names of any officers who discharged a firearm, absent exigent circumstances.
- Release video that provides a general overview of what occurred and photos of relevant evidence unless that release may compromise an investigation.
Under state law (RCW 10.114.011 and WAC 139-12), the release of information relating to the 10/30 officer-involved shooting investigation is being managed by the King County Sheriff’s Office, which is serving as an Independent Investigative Team (IIT) for SPD.
SPD continues to collaborate with KCSO to obtain approval to release information that will not compromise their independent criminal investigation. SPD will release additional information as soon as possible, consistent with the department’s commitment to transparency and legitimacy, as allowed under state law.
For additional information, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office PIO Media Phone 206-263-2560 or the PIO Media Email: kcsomro@kingcounty.gov
Original post
Based on the Seattle Police Department’s exit from the Federal Consent Decree in September 2025, the Seattle Police Department must now adhere to Washington State law for any use of deadly force by an officer. In these situations, the department is subject to an independent investigation led by the King County Sheriff’s Office. All information related to these investigations will come from that office. For an incident that occurred on October 30, here is the first statement they published on October 30 at 9:11 pm. For additional information, contact the King County Sheriff’s Office PIO Media Phone 206-263-2560 or the PIO Media Email: kcsomro@kingcounty.gov
At approximately 4:15pm today (October 30th, 2025) Seattle Police Department (SPD) received at least one 911 call related to a man holding or otherwise possessing an axe near 5th Ave S. and S. Holgate St. SPD officers arrived in the area and attempted to talk with the man. During the interaction, SPD utilized less than lethal tools on the man. At some point, the male produced a firearm. More than one SPD officer fired their handguns at the man. Medical aid was quickly rendered on the man by SPD officers and Seattle Fire Department personnel. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Seattle PD notified the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) of this officer involved shooting (OIS). KCSO will lead the investigation assisted by detectives from the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Currently, SPD and KCSO have a memo of understanding designating the KCSO as the independent agency tasked with investigating SPD serious uses of force.
The KCSO/WSP investigative team consists of senior detectives from the Major Crimes Unit, Special Assault Unit, and other supporting units. The Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team will be assisting with scene documentation and follow-up forensic work. The KCSO and WSP team will be following the protocols of other independent investigation teams in Washington. This will include weekly public updates, assigning a family liaison who will connect with the family of the deceased and other steps mandated by legislation.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office (KCMEO) will be on-scene to conduct their portions of the investigation. Per their protocols, the KCMEO will be the sole agency to release the deceased’s name, biographical information, and cause/manner of death.