Inquest Rules Police Action Justified | Seattle News

After seven years of investigation, a King County inquest jury ruled that Seattle police officers acted lawfully when they fatally shot Ryan Smith in May 2019 — a decision that closes a long, painful chapter for Smith’s family and reignites debate over police use of force. The incident, captured on bodycam, showed officers entering a home after a 911 call, confronting Smith with a knife, and firing. Smith’s mother, Rose Johnson, had pleaded for de-escalation, citing his struggles with addiction and depression. The jury’s verdict, delivered Wednesday, concluded the officers’ actions were justified under the circumstances — a verdict that leaves many questioning whether justice was truly served. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7a7894ec80bd4f14