SEATTLE, Wash. – A man with a history of controversial incidents has been charged with first-degree assault after allegedly shooting a wheelchair-bound veteran along Seattle’s busy waterfront.
The Shooting on Alaskan Way
On Thursday afternoon, police say 32-year-old Gregory Timm confronted an elderly man in a wheelchair near the popular Alaskan Way boardwalk. The victim, whose chair displayed a military patch, was reportedly soliciting money at the time.
According to prosecutors, Timm demanded proof of the man’s veteran status. Witnesses told investigators that Timm tore off the patch from the wheelchair, escalating the encounter. The victim then drew a knife and later brandished a holstered airsoft gun.
At that point, prosecutors allege, Timm pulled out a firearm and shot the man in the chest.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital in serious condition. His identity has not been released publicly.
Felony Charge and Bail
Following his arrest, Timm was booked into King County Jail and is being held on $750,000 bail.
Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, underscored that state law does not permit Timm to claim self-defense under these circumstances.
“The first aggressor in an altercation loses the right to claim self-defense,” McNerthney said.
Prosecutors have now charged Timm with first-degree assault, a felony carrying a potential lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
A History of Notoriety
While Timm has no prior convictions in Washington state, this is not the first time he has drawn national headlines.
In 2020, Timm drove a van through a tent of Trump supporters who were registering voters in Jacksonville, Florida. No one was injured, but the act startled those present and drew a sharp rebuke from then-President Donald Trump, who warned on social media:
“Be careful tough guys who you play with!”
Timm was later convicted of criminal mischief in 2021 for the Florida incident. Though considered a lesser offense, it cemented his reputation as a politically charged figure.
Prosecutors Say Incident Was Preventable
Authorities emphasized that Timm initiated the waterfront altercation, making his use of deadly force unjustifiable. Prosecutors also noted that the victim’s response, though alarming, did not legally authorize Timm to shoot.
By pressing felony assault charges, the King County Prosecutor’s Office signaled its intent to hold Timm accountable while also highlighting the dangers of confrontations escalating into violence.
Broader Concerns
The incident has sparked renewed debate in Seattle about public safety along tourist-heavy areas, especially the waterfront, where confrontations involving vulnerable residents or panhandlers are not uncommon.
For some, the shooting underscores the need for better conflict de-escalation strategies and more visible community support systems to reduce the likelihood of disputes spiraling into violence.
What’s Next
Timm is scheduled to appear in court in the coming weeks as his case proceeds. Prosecutors are expected to argue that his aggressive actions directly led to the shooting and that his past record reflects a pattern of reckless behavior.
If convicted of first-degree assault, Timm could face a significant prison term under Washington state law.
Conclusion
What began as a dispute over a military patch ended in gunfire on Seattle’s waterfront, leaving an elderly veteran hospitalized and Gregory Timm facing serious felony charges. For a man whose actions once captured the attention of a former president, this latest incident could now define the rest of his life in far more serious ways — inside a courtroom and possibly behind bars.
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