Newly unearthed text messages indicate significant internal disarray within Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's administration following a mass shooting that claimed three lives at Seattle Center in July. The communications, obtained by KIRO 7 and reported by the Daily Mail, reveal discussions among the mayor and her staff about the delayed response, concerns over media coverage, and inaccuracies in public statements.
The messages show Mayor Wilson, a Democrat, and her team grappling with the aftermath of the incident, with one staffer describing the situation as a "massive f**king disaster" that eroded public trust. The texts suggest that Wilson was preoccupied with her public image and potential negative press, at one point questioning whether to address media outlets to avoid an "absent mayor" narrative.
Disagreements also surfaced regarding the timing of official statements. Then-Interim Press Secretary Jonah Spangenthal-Lee expressed frustration with the Seattle Police Department's delay in releasing information, writing, "It’s f**king embarrassing that SPD [Seattle Police Department] has waited HOURS to put anything out." In contrast, Public Safety Advisor Alison Holcomb suggested the mayor should take the lead in acknowledging the impact on families and the community.
Mayor Wilson's initial public statement contained an error, stating that two suspects were in custody when only one had been detained. Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt reportedly flagged the mistake, instructing staff to "please revise." Spangenthal-Lee and Interim Communications Director Dawn Schellenberg later discussed the inaccuracy, with Spangenthal-Lee reportedly dismissing it with "S**t happens... I’m not really worried about it."
Text messages also indicated discussions about the mayor's safety and readiness to attend a press conference. Despite initial advice against attending while suspects were at large, Wilson eventually appeared at a press conference around 11 p.m., after erroneous information about the number of suspects had been released. Internal data showed that Governor Bob Ferguson and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal arrived at the press conference before Wilson.
Maya Wilson learned of the shooting shortly after it occurred around 6 p.m. on July 27. At the time of the report, police stated they were closing in on two additional suspects, and two weapons were recovered from the scene, suggesting a possible exchange of gunfire between suspects. This revelation of internal communications comes as local residents have initiated efforts to recall Mayor Wilson, filing paperwork citing "derelict in her duties for public safety of the city of Seattle."