In a tragic and random act of violence on March 27, 2019, Robert Bob Michael Hassan, a 76-year-old White male and retired Air Force surgeon, was killed in Seattle, Washington. The events unfolded in the Lake City neighborhood when a gunman, later identified as 33-year-old Tad Norman, began a violent rampage.
The incident started when Norman approached a woman in her car and shot her. He then fired at a Metro bus, injuring the driver.
Following these initial shootings, Norman encountered Hassan, who was driving a red Toyota Prius near Northeast 123rd Street and Sand Point Way Northeast. Norman fatally shot Hassan and then stole his vehicle.
After killing Hassan, Norman fled in the stolen Prius. His escape was short-lived, as he collided with another vehicle near Northeast 120th Street and Sand Point Way Northeast. The driver of the other vehicle, a 75-year-old man, was killed in the collision. Police, who were already responding to the initial reports of gunfire, were able to apprehend Norman at the scene of the crash at approximately 4:34 p.m. Norman sustained minor injuries and was taken into police custody after being discharged from the hospital. Hassan was remembered by his family, who shared pictures of him with the media following his death. He left behind a wife, children, and grandchildren.
