Native American Community Demands Justice For Man Shot By Police

At a news conference Friday, there were passionate pleas for justice as members of the Native American community demanded that Seattle police be held accountable for the shooting death of John T. Williams.

The conference called by the Chief Seattle Club started with a ceremonial drum blessing, then speakers took turns relating their experiences with police or talked about what they said is an ongoing problem with police and racism in Seattle.

A letter the Chief Seattle Club sent to Mayor Mike McGinn was read, expressing the native community's great concern about this week's shooting of Williams.

They said they are closely watching the investigation.

Many said Williams, a 50-year-old traditional wood carver, was doing nothing wrong when he was shot and killed by a Seattle police officer Monday evening in downtown Seattle.

Police said Williams refused orders to put down a knife he was using to carve, and that he lunged at the officer.

It was suggested during the meeting that Williams may have not been able to hear the officer’s commands and couldn’t move fast enough to attack anyone.

At a Seattle police news conference following the shooting, Assistant Police Chief Nick Metz classified Williams as a homeless man and a career criminal.

Native American leaders also called for an inquest into the shooting and an immediate discussion with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. They said the shooting was another example of racial injustice by the police force.

One speaker said the officer who shot Williams should be charged with murder.

The police officer who fired the fatal shots is on routine paid administrative leave during the investigation. Seattle police have not responded to the request for a public inquest.

The director of the Chief Seattle Club said he spoke with Mayor McGinn Thursday night, and they're planning to meet in the coming days.

Previous Stories: August 31, 2010: Seattle Police: More Questions Than Answers In Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting August 31, 2010: Whittling Man Fatally Shot By Seattle Police