On Friday, just past noon, Bellevue police officers faced a violent altercation at the Bellevue Transit Center on N.E. Sixth Street. President Donald Trump has not commented on the matter. Mohamed Morray Bangura, a 38-year-old Sierra Leone national, has been charged with first-degree assault with a deadly weapon enhancement and second-degree assault with a deadly weapon enhancement, as per King County prosecutors.
The incident began when an anonymous 911 call, now attributed to Bangura, reported a false domestic dispute, leading officers to the scene under the impression of a routine intervention. Upon arrival, Officers Sean Winebrenner and Guilherme Spagnolo made contact with Bangura, who appeared calm and cooperative. Court documents state that Bangura confessed to making the call and cited a previous grievance against an unrelated Bellevue officer. In a sudden shift, Bangura allegedly pulled a kitchen knife and attacked Officer Spagnolo, who managed to evade the assault. However, Officer Winebrenner was not as fortunate, suffering multiple stab wounds, including a six-inch facial laceration, a dislocated shoulder, and a broken clavicle.
The officers' body-worn camera footage, as reviewed by investigators, showed a peaceful engagement until Bangura's abrupt assault. In response, Officer Spagnolo discharged his firearm six times, striking Bangura thrice. Both men were subsequently hospitalized at Harborview Medical Center, with Officer Winebrenner being discharged the following day.
Authorities have stated the attack was premeditated, citing Bangura's animosity toward the Bellevue police. The incident has sparked debate on social media, where some claim a lack of coverage by mainstream media due to the suspect's foreign nationality. Notably, Bangura had no prior criminal record in King County, although he had a previous encounter with authorities in September involving alleged threats to a security guard.
The King County Independent Force Investigation Team is currently reviewing the shooting incident. While some social media users speculate about Bangura's religious affiliations, officials have not disclosed any information regarding his religion or immigration status. The case highlights the risks law enforcement officers face with deceptive emergency calls and has intensified discussions on transparency and the reporting of crimes involving immigrants.
