Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson rushed away when gunshots heard after news conference
Apr 28, 2026, 6:52 PM | Updated: Apr 29, 2026, 5:43 am
Photo of a police vehicle with its lights activated. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson was escorted away from the end of a news conference Tuesday evening after gunfire was heard nearby, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) confirmed.
Wilson was announcing her proposal for Seattle Public Schools to offer free meals to all students at the Yesler Community Center. Multiple adults and children were in attendance at the press conference.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, police received a report of multiple people firing shots near the Yesler Terrace Community Center. The shooting damaged the building, but no injuries were reported.
According to witnesses, the suspects left the area in an unidentified vehicle.
“This shooting reminds us that violence has no place in our community. Our neighbors have the right to gather, speak, and celebrate without fear of violence,” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes said in a prepared statement later that evening. “Addressing gun violence requires us to take a whole-of- Seattle approach that includes the criminal justice system. We must work together to do more to protect each other.”
Detectives are actively combing through the crime scene, working on developing any possible suspect or vehicle descriptions.
If anyone has any information that may help investigators, please call the tip line at (206) 233-5000.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.
