‘We’re really focused on moving forward’: Mayor Wilson addresses internal Bite of Seattle texts

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is pushing back on criticism over how her office handled communications the night of the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting.

Hundreds of internal text messages were released quietly on Friday, showing staff debating whether Wilson should go to the scene and frustration with police over a nearly five-hour delay before city leaders addressed the public.

Texts show debate over optics, timing, and inaccurate information inside the mayor’s office

The texts showed Wilson worried about media optics, writing, “I’m sure they would love to spin an ‘absent mayor’ story,” while aides weighed her appearance against safety concerns because a suspect might still be on the grounds.

Staff also debated the timing of the mayor’s public statement, and the texts revealed officials correcting inaccurate information after the mayor’s office posted a statement saying two suspects were in custody when only one had been arrested. Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt flagged the error, writing, “The statement says 2 suspects in custody. This is not accurate. Please revise.”

When Interim Communications Director Dawn Schellenberg questioned the release of inaccurate information, Interim Press Secretary Jonah Spangenthal-Lee responded, “I mean, I’m not really worried about it. S* happens. We still put out 100 percent more information than SPD.”

Mayor Wilson initiates new protocols, Inspector General review

Speaking Monday alongside striking hotel workers, Wilson shared that the texts were released in the interest of transparency.

“There’s been write-ups of them, and we’re really focused on moving forward,” Wilson said. “So last week, Interim Chief Sayles and I announced our new communications protocols moving forward to make sure that we’re able to keep the public updated if a serious incident takes place.”

Wilson has also asked Seattle’s Office of Inspector General to review the communication breakdown that night.