Families, students and advocates urge state to request independent U.S. investigation into death of Washington resident

Family members, eyewitnesses and student advocates urged a legislative committee on Feb. 25 to pass Senate Joint Memorial 80-14, requesting an independent United States investigation into the killing of a Washington resident while demonstrating overseas.

Hamid Ali, who identified himself as the victim's husband, described the loss in personal terms and asked lawmakers to back the memorial so the family "can know who took her life, why it was done, and how the killer will be held accountable." He recounted receiving the victim's bloody clothing from the U.S. consulate and said the family wants transparent answers.

Multiple eyewitnesses and friends testified they were present at the demonstration and described circumstances they said show the killing was unprovoked. One eyewitness said the group was at least 600 feet from soldiers and not a threat when the victim was shot. Student leaders and representatives from the University of Washington and other campuses supported the memorial, highlighting the victim's ties to campus communities and urging lawmakers to act.

Supporters framed the memorial as a nonpartisan call for accountability when a Washingtonian is killed under the jurisdiction of a foreign government. Opponents in the hearing argued the matter belongs to the federal government and said the state legislature should prioritize items with direct state impact or statutory change.

What witnesses said

- Hamid Ali (family): "She was killed by a single bullet fired by an Israeli soldier...We deserve to know who took her life." (Family testimony asking for an independent investigation.)

- Elisabetta Valente (eyewitness): Described being at least 600 feet from soldiers and said the shooting was unprovoked.

- Student representatives (University of Washington and others): Emphasized community ties and asked the legislature to pass the memorial to demand accountability.

- Joe Kunzler (public witness): Said this is a federal matter and questioned use of committee time for a memorial.

Why it matters

The memorial does not create new law; it asks the federal government to investigate. Supporters said passing SJM 80-14 is a moral and political statement that Washington will seek accountability for residents killed abroad when federal action is absent. The hearing centered on emotional testimony from family and friends, eyewitness accounts, and a broader debate about the role of state legislatures in seeking accountability for international incidents.

Next steps

The committee closed the hearing on SJM 80-14 and will decide whether to report the memorial out of committee. If reported, the full legislature will consider the memorial for adoption.