Progressive House Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) expressed doubts about Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's leadership following the mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival, which resulted in three fatalities and four injuries in July. In text messages to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson dated July 26, Jayapal indicated her lack of confidence in Wilson's response, stating, "I’m not confident she knows what she is doing." The texts were released as part of a larger file by the governor’s office detailing communications after the incident.
The shooting occurred outside the Seattle Center near the Space Needle around 6 p.m., and there was a significant delay in the public briefing, which took five hours. During their exchange, Ferguson advised Jayapal to contact Wilson directly for information. Jayapal had previously suggested that she and Ferguson should be included in any public news conferences held by Wilson.
Jayapal later learned she was advised to avoid the Seattle Center due to it being an active investigation scene. Both she and Ferguson were informed about the 11 p.m. news conference shortly before it began. Reports indicated that the delay was attributed to the late arrival of dignitaries, which Jayapal disputed, stating that any delay was only a matter of minutes.
Jayapal criticized Wilson's office regarding the communication delays, emphasizing that she believed police should have been sharing information with the public sooner. Seattle Police had issued a single post on social media at 6:29 p.m. indicating that they were investigating a shooting and advising the public to avoid the area.
Jayapal reiterated her concerns about the lack of information shared with the public prior to the press conference. Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis confirmed that the police department was prepared to brief the public but had to wait for Wilson. Wilson's office did not respond to Jayapal's criticisms but stated that she was focused on improving public safety communications and reducing gun violence.