SEATTLE -- Native American community leaders are angry about the killing of John Williams earlier this week and they want the Mayor, Police Chief and anybody else who will listen to know it.
John T. Williams was shot and killed by a Seattle police officer on Monday after being ordered to drop a knife with a 3-inch blade and a piece of wood.
Many members of Seattle's Native American community say the death of the woodcarver was not the first time they've been targeted by police.
Williams was a First Nations totem carver who was reportedly deaf in one ear. He was also an alcoholic who was known to be volatile when he was drinking.
The Native American community is now looking for answers from Seattle Police.
At a press conference Friday morning, a group of tribal leaders and representatives of civil rights groups called for a "transparent" investigation, a meeting with the mayor, and a seat at the table if an inquest happens."
A letter to Mayor Mike McGinn, released by the Chief Seattle Club, says bluntly, "We are holding the Seattle Police Department and the City of Seattle accountable for his death."
A spokesperson for the mayor says the mayor is committed to having a face-to-face meeting with Native leaders to address their concerns and hopes to have it as soon as possible.
"We are holding the Seattle Police Department and the City of Seattle accountable for his death. We will closely watch your investigation," said Jenine Grey, Executive Director for Chief Seattle Club.
The club laid out specific requests: They want an apology from the police department, better training of cultural awareness, and an inquest that involves at least one person from the Native community.
"When is all this shooting going to stop?" said Cecil Hansen, Duwamish Tribe.
Emotions ran high, Williams' brother, Rick, was among those asking for answers. Other civil rights groups are also asking for change.
"(They) would rather hide what occurs than actually tell the truth, reconcile with the people and start to change," said James Bible, NAACP.
William's wood-carvings have been shown at a Vancouver B.C. gallery. The manager says the family is in shock - a family for whom carving is a way of life.
"There are seven of the siblings who make their living carving and there's no question John had talent to burn," he said.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Police Guild is standing by the officer.
"We have the officer on audio ordering the subject to drop the knife three times. That's clear. And the witnesses have confirmed that," said Rich O'Neill, president of Seattle Police Guild.
Williams' supports say that they won't let his death get swept under the rug.
The Chief Seattle Club has sent letters to Police Chief Diaz and the Mayor's office. Mayor McGinn says he will meet with them soon.
A brief protest flared on Capitol Hill in Seattle Friday afternoon. About 20 mostly black-clad demonstrators marched in front of SPD's East Precinct, calling police murderers and judges executioners.
One woman named Brenda Michael told KING 5 she was there because "the police choose to pray on people like John T. (Williams) and the minorities and people who don't have voices."
That protest was peaceful, watched by a large police contingent, and dispersed after less than an hour.
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