Former Seattle Police Chief Diaz files a $10 million lawsuit against the city

SEATTLE – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has filed a $10 million damages lawsuit against Mayor Bruce Harrell and “several other city employees.”

According to the Oct. 9 damages claim obtained by FOX 13 Seattle, “the city unlawfully terminated and discriminated against, harassed and retaliated against former Chief Diaz when he expressed his sexual orientation to Mayor Harrell and Deputy Mayor Burgess and refused to commit the unlawful act.”

Deputy Mayor Tim Burgess was also named in the suit.

In May, Harrell announced he was replacing Diaz as police chief amid multiple allegations of sexual discrimination and retaliation. Diaz moved to another position in the department working on special projects. Former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr has taken over as interim leader of the SPD.

On October 28, Diaz, along with the director of the public relations department, were placed on paid administrative leave. The Seattle Police Department confirmed to FOX 13 Seattle that Diaz and Jamie Thompkins were placed on leave, but SPD did not explain why.

Tompkins previously worked as a television news anchor/reporter in Seattle, including at FOX 13 Seattle, before joining the Seattle Police Department in 2023.

After Diaz was forced to resign, he came out as gay in an interview with radio host Jason Rantz on KTTH 770 AM.

Diaz has led the Seattle Police Department since September 2020, initially taking over as interim Chief Carmen Best.

The City of Seattle and the Office of Police Accountability have no comment on the statement.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned.

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