Seattle Police Release Body‑Camera Video Detailing Dec. 2 Shooting and Aftermath
Updated (3 articles)
Incident Occurred Near Martin Luther King Jr. Way South at 1:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a shirtless man brandishing a handgun near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way South and South Othello Street, close to 42nd Ave S[2][3]. The individual was later identified by the medical examiner as Christian Nelson[1]. Police arrived within minutes, located the suspect, and began verbal warnings before escalating force.
De‑Escalation Measures Included a 40 mm Sponge Round Officers first attempted negotiation and deployed a 40 mm sponge round in an effort to subdue the suspect without lethal force[1][3]. When the suspect allegedly pointed his firearm toward a commercial area, officers warned him repeatedly and then discharged approximately 13 live rounds within eight seconds, resulting in his death[1][3]. First aid was rendered on‑scene, but Nelson succumbed to his injuries despite medical assistance[3].
Collateral Damage Injured a Resident and Halted Light‑Rail Service police bullet shattered a window in a nearby apartment lobby, sending glass shards that injured a resident who was treated and expected to recover[2][3]. The incident forced Sound Transit to suspend Link light‑rail service between Columbia City and Rainier Beach, deploying shuttle buses until service resumed early Wednesday morning[2][3]. Streets around the scene were temporarily closed, causing traffic disruptions that were later cleared[1].
Independent Investigation and Public Release of Video Evidence The King County Sheriff’s Office leads an independent investigation, reviewing body‑camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence before forwarding findings to the Prosecuting Attorney[2]. On Dec. 6, Seattle Police released two angles of the body‑camera video after KCSO authorization, providing the public with a detailed view of the encounter[1]. Local business owners and the inactive South Seattle Crime Prevention Council expressed heightened safety concerns following the shooting[2].
Sources
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1.
King5: Seattle Police Release Body‑Camera Footage of Dec. 2 Fatal Shooting: Details the video release, suspect identity, use of a sponge round, and collateral injuries, emphasizing the public’s right to see the footage.
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2.
King5: Police Shooting Near South Seattle Café Raises Safety Concerns: Highlights community fear, resident injury from glass, independent investigation, and light‑rail shutdown, noting the crime council’s inactivity.
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3.
King5: Seattle Police Shooting Near Martin Luther King Jr. Way: Focuses on rapid police response, de‑escalation attempts, use of a sponge round, and service disruptions, providing a concise timeline of events.
Timeline
2020 – Present – The South Seattle Crime Prevention Council, which once facilitated community‑police collaboration, has not met since the COVID‑19 pandemic began, a lapse that “contributes to ongoing safety challenges in the area,” according to longtime member Pat Murakami[2].
Dec 2, 2025 – At about 1:30 p.m., Seattle police receive a call reporting a shirtless man brandishing a firearm near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Way South and South Othello Street; officers are dispatched and arrive within minutes[3].
Dec 2, 2025 – Officers attempt verbal de‑escalation and fire a 40 mm sponge round; when the suspect points the gun toward a commercial area, officers fire roughly 13 shots in eight seconds, killing the suspect, later identified as Christian Nelson[1][3].
Dec 2, 2025 – A police bullet strikes a window in a nearby apartment lobby, sending glass shards that injure a resident who receives hospital treatment and is expected to recover[2][3].
Dec 2, 2025 – Sound Transit halts Link light‑rail service between Columbia City and Rainier Beach and deploys shuttle buses; roads and rail service are restored by early Wednesday morning[2][1].
Dec 2, 2025 – The King County Sheriff’s Office launches an independent investigation, tasking an Independent Investigative Team with reviewing body‑camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence before forwarding findings to the Prosecuting Attorney[2].
Dec 5, 2025 – Seattle Police release two‑angle body‑camera footage of the Dec 2 shooting after KCSO authorization, confirming the use of the sponge round and the rapid firing sequence that led to the suspect’s death[1].
Dec 5, 2025 – The medical examiner identifies the deceased as Christian Nelson, and a GoFundMe page is created to support his family[1].
Dec 5, 2025 – Local business employees, including those at Le’s Deli and nearby salons, voice heightened safety concerns after witnessing the shooting and the subsequent CPR effort on the sidewalk[2].
Future (pending) – The Independent Investigative Team is expected to complete its review and submit a report to the Prosecuting Attorney, which will determine whether criminal charges are warranted[2].