Seattle police say they have taken up the FBI on an offer to help solve the vicious beating of a transgender person leaving a Capitol Hill fundraiser for victims of the Orlando terror attack. Police say the suspect is "a white male in his 20s, with brown hair and a partial beard. He was wearing an orange or copper-colored sweatshirt, blue jeans, and sandals at the time of the incident." An organizer of the event tells KOMO that the attack was particularly hearbraking because it happened just after a benefit event. Leaders of the transgender community plan to hold a press conference shortly before the Seattle Trans Pride starts this evening. Police promise to have a substantial presence at Pride events this weekend.
"Seattle PD, FBI investigating hate crime after transgender person attacked on Capitol Hill," Komonews.com.
If there's a lot of bias and hate out there — and there is — there's also a lot of support. The Seattle Times' Nina Shapiro draws an excellent portrait, tied to Pride and Orlando, of Sonj Basha, as a queer Muslim who has emerged as an LGBTQ community leader recently. Basha tells Shapiro that living with both identities "feels like a brand-new coming out. There will inevitably be pushback. At the same time, it has been liberating.” Seattle Pride Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday. Details here.
"Seattle LGBTQ leader: 'I am Muslim, I am queer and I exist," Seattle Times.
"Hate crime reports against blacks, LGBT people double in Seattle," Seattle Times.
On the heels of being denied full accreditation, Virginia Mason Medical Center now faces investigations by both federal and state agencies, according to the Seattle Times. The agencies noted that the kidney-dialysis unit was being managed on a day-to-day basis by a respiratory therapist rather then a registered nurse, which is required under regulations. As the Times notes, the hospital has previously enjoyed a reputation as a pioneer in patient safety.
"Virginia Mason investigated by feds, state after accreditation trouble," Seattle Times.
