Seattle police say that K9 officer's death was due to 'less lethal weapons ban'

The Seattle Police Department suffered a tragic loss last week when SPD K9 officer Jedi was stabbed to death while trying to apprehend a burglary suspect. Now, officers allege that Jedi's death could have been prevented if police reform legislation didn't ban officers from using certain types of less lethal weapons.

Seattle police officers told The Post Millennial that due to the highly controversial statewide legislation that took effect last year, the responding officers were unable to apprehend the suspect with less lethal projectile launchers because they are now classified as "weapons of war."

"What would have prevented all of this is a 40mm," an SPD officer told The Post Millennial. "Which, thanks to the idiots in Olympia, is classified as a weapon of war due to its size."

Under Washington HB 1054, which took effect in July 2020, police are banned from obtaining military hardware including 40mm foam-bullet launchers, which experts say are the most effective less lethal weapons in the police arsenal.

"A 40mm would have definitely given officers another option before lethal force was applied, or even a dog for that matter," the SPD officer said, who asked to remain anonymous.

SPD K9 officer Jedi wasn't the only fatality that happened during the heartbreaking incident last Wednesday. The suspect, who burglarized two homes while armed with a machete, was shot and killed by police within moments of fatally stabbing Jedi. Jedi's handler was also stabbed in the face by the suspect shortly after the attack on Jedi, but he fortunately lived.

"The option to use it would've been before the use of the dog in an effort to incapacitate him but because of the current law we can't use our 40 mm's," they explained.

Mike Solan, the President of Seattle Police Officers Guild, released a heartbreaking statement following the death of Jedi, who many officers described to The Post Millennial as the best K9 officer in the entire department.

"Jedi and his partner were an incredible police canine team and were an asset for our officers and our community. For the past five years, they've apprehended countless violent criminals, protected our officers and the public from harm and were lauded as one of the best Seattle Police K9 teams in SPD's history," Solan said.

"Losing a K9 officer is a gut punch especially given all that our members have endured in the past two years. Jedi's loyalty to his partner was pure, real and humbling. There is no doubt that he saved the life of his partner yesterday. Rest in peace Jedi, you will forever be part of our pack and you died a HERO," Solan concluded.

It's no question that the department is feeling the weight of this tragic loss. Last Summer, Seattle police officer Lexi Harris was tragically killed while assisting motorists following a car crash on the interstate. Officer Harris was highly respected amongst her peers and the community, and her loss weighed heavily on all who knew her.

The Seattle Police Department has not yet released information on the now deceased suspect. The OPA (Office of Police Accountability) released bodycam footage of the incident on Friday which showed that the shooting was allegedly justified.

According to SPD, a memorial for K9 officer Jedi will be taking place from 1/10 to 1/12 at the Southwest Precinct.