Rep. Jayapal Expressed Doubts About Seattle Mayor's Leadership Following Mass Shooting

In the aftermath of a fatal mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival in July, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal expressed doubts about Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's leadership, according to text messages released by the governor's office.

Three people were killed and four others were injured in the shooting, which occurred on July 26. Jayapal, a Democrat representing Washington's 7th congressional district, which includes Seattle, conveyed her concerns to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson in a series of text messages.

"I’m not confident she knows what she is doing," Jayapal wrote to Ferguson on July 26, the day of the shooting. She also asked Ferguson, "Give me a ring I’m wondering if we should be there at all," referencing a planned news conference.

Seattle officials faced criticism for a significant delay in providing public information following the violence, which erupted near the Seattle Center. The delay reportedly lasted for hours, leaving the public in the dark about the unfolding situation. Jayapal's texts suggest she was concerned about the handling of the event and the communication strategy.

Jayapal had apparently suggested being included in any public briefings. "I spoke to her. Suggested that if they are doing a public conference, it would be good if we are all there," she texted Ferguson, who had agreed. Briefing calls were held between 8 and 9 p.m. that evening.

Later, reports circulated that the delay in the press conference was due to the late arrival of "dignitaries." Jayapal pushed back against this, stating in a text to Ferguson, "I’m having Rachel call Brian and say this is outrageous that someone said the delay was because of dignitaries. You may want to have your folks do that too."

Jayapal later told KING5 that she had spoken with the mayor on her way to the Seattle Center and was told they were awaiting her and the governor's arrival. "Any delay in waiting for the Governor and I to arrive was about a matter of minutes, not hours," Jayapal stated, contradicting the notion that dignitaries caused a prolonged delay.

Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis indicated to the City Council that the police department was prepared to brief the public but had to wait for the mayor's office. "What happened that day was tough. We were ready to go. I was gonna really walk down there and handle it. I did talk to the deputy mayor, just kind of let them know as a courtesy, we’re gonna go down and conduct the interview. And then I was told we needed to wait for the mayor," Davis said.

Seattle Police had issued a brief statement on X at 6:29 p.m., stating: "Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center. More information to come. Please avoid the area."

Wilson's office did not directly respond to Jayapal's criticism. A spokesperson stated that the mayor was focused on "strengthening public safety communications, reducing gun violence and proposing investments in public safety and well-being."