Prosecutors charged Kamilia Chadli with second-degree assault while authorities continue examining allegations of bias in the downtown encounter.
SEATTLE, Wash. — A 36-year-old woman has been charged with second-degree assault after prosecutors say she attacked a stranger in downtown Seattle, biting the woman’s forehead and leaving an injury expected to cause permanent scarring.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office identified the defendant as Kamilia Chadli. The victim, 36-year-old Diana Gonzalez, told investigators she did not know Chadli before the Sept. 18 encounter. Seattle police initially referred the case for consideration of both felony assault and a hate crime offense after investigators said Chadli used racist and homophobic language during the confrontation. Prosecutors have filed the assault charge but have not charged Chadli with a hate crime.
The encounter began about 3:45 p.m. as Gonzalez walked along Third Avenue toward a convenience store near her workplace, according to police and charging documents. Investigators said Chadli threw a food wrapper at Gonzalez as she passed. When Gonzalez questioned her about it, Chadli allegedly made a remark about Gonzalez being from an “inferior race,” used a homophobic slur and spat on her.
Prosecutors allege Chadli then grabbed Gonzalez and pulled her to the ground. During the struggle, authorities say Chadli bit Gonzalez on the forehead, removing a piece of skin about 1 inch in diameter. Police described significant bleeding from the injury. Gonzalez later received treatment at Harborview Medical Center, and prosecutors said the injury will leave a permanent scar.
A worker nearby witnessed the confrontation and helped separate the women, according to authorities. After Chadli left the scene, a witness followed her toward the King County Courthouse and alerted a King County marshal. Seattle police officers later arrested Chadli after Gonzalez identified her as the woman who had attacked her.
Officers documented blood on the sidewalk and recovered tissue from a nearby drainage grate, police said. Those details became part of the investigation forwarded to county prosecutors. Chadli is accused of intentionally assaulting Gonzalez and recklessly causing substantial bodily harm. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The language allegedly used before the assault prompted Seattle police to describe the investigation as involving a suspected hate crime. Prosecutors, however, have so far charged Chadli only with second-degree assault. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has said a hate crime charge could still be added if evidence developed in the case meets the legal burden required under Washington law.
Gonzalez told local news outlets that the two women were strangers and described the encounter as a random attack. She said she remains concerned about the lasting effects of the injury. Authorities said medical treatment included plans for reconstructive treatment to close the wound and that Gonzalez is expected to have permanent scarring.
Prosecutors asked that Chadli’s bail remain at $150,000, citing the seriousness of the alleged assault and concerns about another violent offense if she were released. Chadli is scheduled for arraignment Monday, Sept. 28, on the second-degree assault charge. Any decision on an additional hate crime charge would depend on evidence reviewed by prosecutors as the case proceeds.
Author note: Last updated September 26, 2026.