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I n Olympia, the Washington State House of Representatives made a crucial move to address the risks associated with hog-tying, four years after the death of Manuel “Manny” Ellis. By passing Senate Bill 6009, lawmakers hope to rebuild trust between community members and law enforcement and to create clear guidelines that will help safeguard lives.
On Feb. 28, Senate Bill 6009, proposed by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and Rep. Sharlett Mena, passed through the Washington State House chamber with a resounding 89-7 vote, according to House Democrats.
The bill will ban the use of hog-tying, an inhumane restraint tactic that has led to tragic consequences. Despite its deadly outcomes, some law enforcement agencies in Washington continue to employ this method. The bill not only bans hog-tying but also classifies it as excessive force, mandating officers to intervene and report any colleagues who utilize it.
Who was Manuel Ellis?
Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died after he was handcuffed and hogtied during his arrest in Tacoma, Washington, in March 2020. While walking home, Ellis was approached by ex-Tacoma officers, Matthew Collins, Christopher Burbank and Timothy Rankine. The trio — who were acquitted of Ellis’ death in December 2023 — alleged that the 33-year-old was aggressive when they encountered him, which caused them to tase and subdue him using the hog-tie method. Video evidence later showed that Ellis was never combative during his encounter with the officers.