SEATTLE, WA — Newly released video shows the tense moments before a shooting on Seattle’s waterfront that prosecutors say stemmed from accusations of “stolen valor.” The incident happened July 31 near 1101 Alaskan Way in downtown Seattle when 32-year-old Gregory William Timm confronted a 68-year-old man in a wheelchair over his military status.
According to charging documents, Timm demanded that the man prove his service by showing a military ID. While the man was reaching for his wallet, prosecutors say Timm removed a military patch from his belongings, prompting the man to draw a knife.
After reviewing the footage, it appears the video picks up with the confrontation already underway. The man in the wheelchair is holding a large knife in his left hand and begins reaching for an airsoft pistol with his right. As he digs for the pistol, Timm steps back, retrieves a handgun from his backpack, and raises it toward the man holding the knife. When the man in the wheelchair brings up the pistol — which appears to be a pellet gun in a holster — Timm fires a single round, hitting him in the chest.
The footage then appears to show Timm removing the magazine from his handgun, racking the slide, and unloading it. He can be heard saying, “Show me your ID. Pull a [expletive] gun on me. Pull a [expletive] gun on me.” He follows with, “Put it away sir,” apparently instructing the man to put the pellet gun away. Moments later, Timm raises his hands and says, “It’s alright everyone, I apologize. He pulled a gun on me.” He then tells a bystander, “I don’t care, he pulled a gun on me. We’re not friends.”
Timm remained at the scene and was arrested without incident. His attorney has stated that he will claim self-defense, citing the victim’s possession of both a knife and the pellet gun. The victim was last reported to be in serious but stable condition.
One local worker told KOMO News she regularly saw the victim on the waterfront, often playing music and interacting with passersby. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said the city continues to target illegal guns and keep police patrols active in the area.
Even if a firearm is legally carried, the presence of other weapons and unclear intentions can lead to split-second decisions with life-changing consequences. Situational awareness, de-escalation, and maintaining distance when possible are critical to preventing armed confrontations from turning deadly.
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