Nearly a year after surviving a gunshot that nearly took his life, Harold Powell, a 68-year-old Navy veteran and longtime fixture on Seattle’s waterfront, is once again standing tall — or rather, sitting resiliently — at Pier 55, holding his American flag and proclaiming, “I’m still here.”
Powell, a proud military veteran with 14 years of service in the Navy submarine fleet, has made Pier 55 his home for the past three decades, playing soulful music from his wheelchair amid the bustling scenery of Seattle’s iconic waterfront. An amputee, Powell’s presence has become a symbol of resilience and community spirit — until nearly a year ago, when tragedy struck in a shocking act of violence.
On a clear day, almost exactly a year ago, Powell was surrounded by spectators when a man, Gregory Timm, approached him with accusations of “stolen valor.” Timm demanded Powell display his military ID. As Powell reached into his bag, Timm tore off a Navy patch from his wheelchair, escalating the confrontation. Fearing for his safety, Powell pulled a small knife, but Timm responded with lethal force — drawing a .45 caliber handgun and shooting Powell in the chest from just a few feet away. Despite the severity of the wound, which fractured his ribs and narrowly missed his heart, Powell survived.
In the aftermath, Timm put his weapon away, raised his hands, and calmly told the gathered crowd, “It’s alright, everybody.” The incident was captured by witnesses and quickly led to Timm’s arrest at the scene. Powell, a Black man, and Timm, a white man, became the focus of public attention, with his family asserting that this was a hate crime.
The legal proceedings concluded this March with a jury convicting Timm on charges of second-degree assault with a firearm and theft related to the stolen Navy patch. During the sentencing, a judge called the shooting “completely senseless,” sentencing Timm to three and a half years in prison. Timm, silent during his sentencing, did not dispute the court’s findings.
In a remarkable act of forgiveness, Powell addressed the court, expressing hope for Timm’s redemption. “Just because somebody has a lack of judgment on a day doesn’t mean that individual is not redeemable,” Powell said. “I hope he becomes a productive citizen of our state, our county, and our city. Because we got a great city here.”
Returning to Pier 55 in April, Powell reaffirmed his unwavering spirit. Standing amidst his music, his flag, and the familiar sights of Seattle, he reflected on his journey—his military service, decades of musical performances, and his relentless resilience in the face of violence.
Harold Powell’s story is a testament to strength, forgiveness, and the indomitable spirit of a man who refuses to be beaten by life’s darkest moments. His presence on the waterfront continues to inspire, a living reminder that even after life-threatening adversity, the human spirit can endure, stand tall, and keep singing.
Where to Learn More
- Seattle Times: Local Veteran Forgives Attacker After Jury Convicts Him
- KING 5 News: Harold Powell Returns to Waterfront Music Scene
- ABC News: Resilience and Forgiveness in the Seattle Waterfront Shooting
- U.S. Navy History and Service Records
- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests — Resources for Resilience and Healing
