The woodcarver was crossing a street with a knife . The officer shoots him when he does n't drop the knife . Comment: It is unclear whether the partially deaf man heard the order . Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez and the U.S. attorney in Seattle , Jenny Durkan , emphasized the investigation is civil , not criminal . The Justice Department has launched a federal probe of the department .
The woodcarver was crossing a street with a knife . The officer shoots him when he does n't drop the knife . Comment: It is unclear whether the partially deaf man heard the order . The Justice Department has launched a federal probe of the department .