Seattle City Councilman Tim Burgess, a former police officer and chair of the council’s public safety committee, released the following statement Wednesday about the charging decision in the John T. Williams case:

“I want to acknowledge that the King County Prosecutor’s decision today leaves many people angry and disappointed. I’ve read the prosecutor’s decision and I understand his reasoning, but I fully appreciate that it won’t sit well with many in our city.

“In determining criminal liability, Washington law gives great deference to the judgment of police officers in the use of deadly force. However, in contrast to state law, Seattle Police Department policies regarding the use of deadly force are more restrictive. Now that the prosecuting attorney has made a decision about criminal charges based on state law, the Chief of Police must determine if Officer Birk’s actions met the higher standard of Seattle’s policies. Chief Diaz should complete his review and let all of us know his decision as quickly as possible.

“Based on the findings of the police department’s Firearms Review Board that the use of deadly force in this specific incident was not justified, I don’t believe Officer Birk should remain as a Seattle police officer.”