Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz Sues City Alleging Wrongful Termination Retaliation

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz has filed a lawsuit against the city and Mayor Bruce Harrell, alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, defamation, and discrimination. Diaz claims he was fired after refusing to carry out what he describes as unlawful orders to prematurely discipline and fire officers without due process, specifically citing his refusal to fire Officer Daniel Auderer over a controversial video. The city, citing an independent investigation, terminated Diaz for dishonesty related to allegations of an inappropriate romantic relationship with his former chief of staff, Jamie Tompkins, which both Diaz and Tompkins deny. Diaz maintains his innocence, pointing to a polygraph test and handwriting analysis that he says discredit the evidence used against him, and accuses city leaders of fabricating rumors to justify his firing. This lawsuit follows a history of legal disputes involving Seattle police leadership, including claims of sexual harassment and retaliation within the department. Mayor Harrell's office has declined to comment extensively on the active litigation but stands by the investigation's findings.