Date of Offense
Offense(s)
Official Statement
Seattle Police Officer Daniel J. Christensen, who has been with the department since late 2022 and is currently in the final phase of his probationary period, was recently involved in a controversial use-of-force incident that has drawn significant public attention. A video circulating online shows Christensen forcefully pushing an individual who was facing away from him and did not appear to be resisting or posing any threat. The incident has sparked criticism from community watchdogs and police accountability advocates, who argue the force used may have been excessive and unnecessary. This kind of conduct raises serious legal questions under the "objective reasonableness" standard established in Graham v. Connor, which governs police use of force under the Fourth Amendment. Christensen’s actions are now likely under review by the Seattle Police Department and potentially the Office of Police Accountability, especially given his probationary status which typically involves heightened scrutiny. The incident underscores broader concerns about police conduct, de-escalation, and accountability in interactions with the public.
