RismadarVoice Reporters, April 25, 2026
A U.S. court has sentenced Gregory William Timm to 42 months in prison for shooting a 68-year-old Navy veteran in a wheelchair during a confrontation on the Seattle waterfront in 2025.
Timm was convicted of second-degree assault with a firearm and third-degree theft over the incident, which occurred near Pier 55 on July 31, 2025, in a busy tourist area of Seattle.
According to court documents and investigators, the victim, Harold Powell, was performing music in his wheelchair when Timm approached him and accused him of falsely claiming military service. Powell reportedly presented identification to confirm his service, after which Timm allegedly snatched his Navy service patch.
Prosecutors said Powell then pulled out a knife, prompting Timm to retrieve a firearm from his backpack and shoot him in the chest. Despite the severity of the injury, Powell survived after being rushed to Harborview Medical Centre.
During sentencing, the court described the incident as a “senseless act of violence,” noting that it was fortunate no bystanders were injured in the crowded waterfront area.
In an emotional statement to the court, Powell forgave his attacker.
“Just because somebody has a lack of judgment on a day doesn’t mean that individual is not redeemable,” he said. “I hope he becomes a productive citizen of our state, our county, and our city.”
Following his prison term, Timm will serve 18 months of community custody. He has also been ordered to register as a firearm offender, permanently prohibited from possessing firearms, required to submit a DNA sample, stripped of voting rights, and barred from contacting Powell.
The exact restitution amount to be paid to the victim will be determined at a later date by the court.
