Family Filed $30 Million Claim After Fatal Seattle Shooting
The family of Andrew Seay alleges excessive force following his 2025 death outside a local precinct.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The family of 36-year-old Andrew Seay has filed a $30 million claim against the city of Seattle following his death in a police shooting. Officers shot and killed Seay outside the Southwest Precinct on March 19, 2025, after responding to a call for help regarding a mental health crisis.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights ongoing tensions regarding police use of force and the handling of individuals experiencing mental health crises. Attorneys for the family claim officers violated the Americans with Disabilities Act during the encounter.
The family filed a $30 million claim following the King County Prosecutor's decision to decline criminal charges against the officers involved. The city has a two-month window to review the filing before the family can initiate a formal lawsuit.
The players
Andrew Seay
He was a 36-year-old man who was fatally shot by police while reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis.
King County Prosecutor
This office acts as the lead agency responsible for reviewing police shootings and determining if criminal charges are warranted.
The details
Attorneys allege the shooting officer fired four gunshots while standing 35 feet away from Seay, who was reportedly holding a pocketknife. The incident occurred seven seconds after a supervisor ordered the deployment of a less-lethal device, shortly after Seay moved around a patrol car.
Timeline
March 19, 2025: Andrew Seay was shot and killed by police.
September 30, 2026: Family filed a $30 million claim against the city.
Next two months: The city will consider the filed claim.
Legal Context
This case mirrors recent national efforts to hold municipalities accountable for officer conduct regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. It highlights the shifting legal landscape for how police departments in major cities address mental health crises.
Residents may see continued legal scrutiny regarding the Southwest Precinct's operational protocols for mental health calls. The filing ensures that the city's response to the incident remains a matter of public legal record for the local community.
The takeaway
This filing marks a significant escalation in the family's pursuit of accountability following the prosecutor's decision not to file charges. It serves as a reminder of the strict notification timelines required when seeking damages against a municipal government.
What happens next
The city of Seattle has two months from September 30, 2026, to review the claim before a potential civil lawsuit proceeds.
Further reading
Learn more about the ongoing departmental oversight at Seattle Law Enforcement.
More information
View the original document of the claim for further details.
Source note: This article includes information reported by West Seattle Blog....
