Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has sidestepped questions regarding text messages that surfaced following a deadly shooting in July, in which she expressed concern about local media outlets attempting to portray her as an "absent mayor." The messages were released Friday by the mayor's office amid ongoing scrutiny over the administration's response to the incident.
During a public appearance on Monday, Wilson stated that the messages had been reported on and that her focus was on "moving forward." She also highlighted new communications protocols announced with Interim Chief Sayles aimed at improving public updates during serious incidents, according to KIRO. The shooting, which occurred at the Bite of Seattle food festival on July 26, resulted in three fatalities and prompted criticism over a five-hour delay before officials, including the mayor, addressed the public.
The released communications revealed internal discussions among Wilson's staff about her potential presence at the shooting scene and how to manage media interactions. In one exchange, Wilson noted that KOMO was reporting expectations for her and the city council to be present, texting, "I’m sure they would love to spin an 'absent mayor' story." 
Staffers debated whether Wilson should go to the Seattle Center, the site of the shooting. Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt indicated he was heading to the location and suggested the mayor should also make her way there. However, Public Safety Advisor Alison Holcomb raised concerns about the scene's stability due to the ongoing investigation and expressed a dislike for politicians drawing attention to themselves at such events.
Further exchanges showed disagreements regarding the timing of Wilson's public statement. Then-Interim Press Secretary Jonah Spangenthal-Lee expressed frustration with the Seattle Police Department's delay in releasing information, writing, "It’s f
f
embarrassing that SPD has waited HOURS to put anything out." Holcomb, however, suggested it was beneficial for the mayor to acknowledge the impacts and share information as it became available.
The mayor's initial statement also contained an inaccuracy, reporting that two suspects were in custody when only one had been apprehended. Deputy Mayor Surratt identified the error and instructed staff to revise the statement. 
hit happens... I'm not really worried about it."
Days after the shooting, Mayor Wilson released a video message acknowledging communication "gaps" with her team, the media, and the public, and praising responding officers. She conceded that information, such as updates on outstanding suspects and the crime scene status, should have been disseminated more rapidly.
Former Police Chief Shon Barnes, who resigned four days after the shooting, has defended his handling of the incident and denied awareness of media briefing delays. In a recent radio interview, Barnes stated he had no understanding of any delays.
