No charges against Seattle officer who shot woodcarver

[uppityperson]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014235279_policeshooting16m.html

King County prosecutors have decided not to file criminal charges against Seattle police Officer Ian Birk in the fatal shooting of woodcarver John T. Williams, sources familiar with the decision say.
(clip)
Shortly after, Seattle Police Chief John Diaz is expected to disclose at a news conference that the department's Firearms Review Board has reached a final decision that the Aug. 30 shooting was not justified, say sources briefed on the finding.

The board's conclusion, reached in private deliberations a few days ago, allows the Police Department to begin internal proceedings that could lead to Birk's firing or other discipline, the sources said. In October, the board reached a preliminary decision that the shooting was unjustified, sources said then
(clip)
At least two protests are planned for Wednesday over the decision not to file criminal charges against Birk. The Capitol Hill Blog said there would be a protest at City Hall at 4 p.m., and a Facebook event page announced a protest at 6 p.m. at Westlake Park in Seattle....(more@link)

[uppityperson]

1. "unjustified and outside of policy, tactics and training", Birk resigns

http://www.kirotv.com/news/26891753/detail.html
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, appearing at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, said, "I am deeply sorry for this tragedy. And I am deeply sorry for the loss of faith between our community and our police force."
McGinn said Birk would have a final opportunity to speak with the police chief about his future with the department, but that the Firearms Review Board said that "Birk should never again carry gun, wear a uniform or return to duty as a Seattle police officer."

[Kennah]

2. Statement from King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2011/02/16/2014241877.pdf

It is 16 pages long, and at times legalistic, but this is the key portion to zero in on.

"Washington law gives police officers more protection against criminal prosecution for homicide than it gives ordinary citizens. Washington law directs that police officers who use deadly force when confronting an armed suspect shall not be prosecuted for any crime – as long as they are acting in good faith and without malice."

More here.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x439506