WA Coalition for Police Accountability Reacts to Police Killing in Tacoma

Tacoma, WA (9/28/2026)—The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (WCPA), an organization led by families who’ve lost loved ones to police violence, today reacts to a police killing in Tacoma. 

According to news outlets, an adult man was killed by police, who had responded to a domestic assault call, on a residential block of South Stevens Street in Tacoma just before 4:00 pm on Sunday. No further details are available at this time.

SEE: One dead in Tacoma officer-involved shooting, state to investigate – KIRO 7 News Seattle 

Fred Thomas, father of Leonard Thomas who was killed by Lakewood Police in 2013, and co-chair of the Office of Independent Investigations Advisory Board, said:

“It’s always painful to hear of a police killing, especially one close to home. As details emerge in this case, I will be remembering all those who have lost loved ones to state violence. I am glad to hear that this case has been referred to the Office of Independent Investigations and I hope for a just and fair process.

“However, the process of investigating this case and myriad others won't be complete until we have state legislation that requires all law enforcement agencies to release their body cam footage within seventy-two hours for a use-of-deadly-force case and state legislation that establishes an Office of Independent Prosecutor.”

The Office of Independent Investigation will be investigating the use of deadly force in this case, reportedly the first time the OII has reviewed a police shooting in Tacoma. The OII was created out of the state legislature in 2021, due in large part to advocacy from WCPA members and impacted families. The county prosecutor will then use findings from the OII investigation to make a charging decision. 

The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability includes over 40 organizations. For more information about WCPA, visit https://www.wcforpa.org/