‘Violent’ transgender hate crime happens in Seattle, Mayor Harrell to strengthen LGBTQ+ protections

A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a transgender hate crime in the University District.

According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), officers followed up on a 911 call on Thursday evening, as a person claimed a group of men “attacked them” and were saying anti-transgender slurs.

After suffering injuries to the face and stomach, the victim waited at a nearby business until the police arrived. The suspects had left the scene, but police were able to identify a car and person who matched the victim’s and witnesses’ descriptions.

“Injuries included a bruised and swollen eye, broken teeth, scrapes to the hand, and pain in her abdomen,” SPD stated in a first appearance document.

The investigation is still ongoing, and police are searching for other suspects involved in the incident.

The 39-year-old suspect made his first appearance in court Friday afternoon, with the court finding probable cause for a hate crime and second-degree assault. His bail has been set at $200,000.

“The 39-year-old who was in court Friday is already the subject of a separate and ongoing King County hate crime case,” Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, stated. “The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged him on Sept. 18 for an attack on a Sound Transit fare enforcement worker.”

Mayor Harrell seeking protections for LGBTQ+ community

On Monday, March 31, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell plans to sign new legislation protecting individuals seeking gender-affirming care and reproductive health care services in Seattle, according to a press release.

In partnership with the Seattle LGBTQ Commission and LGBTQ+ city employees, the legislation aims to reaffirm the city’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community, extending Washington’s Shield Law. The Shield Law bars Washington courts from enforcing out-of-state legal actions aimed at restricting health care services that are lawful in Washington.

“This legislation is a tangible step to strengthen local protections and stand with our LGBTQ+ community in the face of hateful, dangerous, and discriminatory attacks from the Trump administration and others,” Harrell said in early March. “Leading with our One Seattle values of inclusion and acceptance, we will continue to fight to protect people’s right to live freely as their authentic selves.”

Monday, March 31 is recognized as Transgender Day of Visibility.