Washington Governor Bob Ferguson publicly criticized Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's response to a fatal shooting at a food festival on July 27, a day after a recall effort against the mayor was initiated. Ferguson re-shared a post by journalist Ari Hoffman that detailed Wilson's perceived mishandling of the tragedy.
According to Hoffman's report, Wilson did not turn on her camera or speak during a hastily convened Zoom call for Washington leaders following the shooting, which left three people dead. When a Freedom of Information Act request was filed for records of the call, Ferguson's office stated that no recording existed. Ferguson's subsequent re-sharing of Hoffman's critique, which he later deleted, led Hoffman to suggest the governor was attempting to distance himself from the Seattle mayor.
Wilson, who identifies as a socialist, is facing a recall effort over her seven-month tenure. Critics cite her inexperience, anti-business policies, and her administration's response to the July 27 shooting as reasons for the push to remove her from office. Melinda Jacobson and Dale Osterud, who filed paperwork for the recall, stated that Wilson has been "derelict in her duties for public safety of the city of Seattle" and that the city needs a mayor with more experience in handling major issues.
The recall effort also specifically mentioned Wilson's decision to force the resignation of Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes over his handling of the shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival. This action, the recall filing stated, showed a "lack of fiscal responsibility" and eroded public trust.
Wilson has also drawn criticism from the business community. Her proposals for a wealth tax and new business taxes have been met with concern. Early in her term, Wilson dismissed worries that these policies could drive businesses away from Seattle, stating, "And to the ones that leave, 'bye!'" This stance has been criticized by figures such as Starbucks founder Howard Schultz, who argued in an op-ed that Wilson's "socialist rhetoric vilifies employers" and is detrimental to the city's history of entrepreneurship. Schultz indicated he was moving a significant portion of Starbucks' corporate base to Tennessee, citing a fractured business culture in Seattle.