Mayor Katie Wilson was participating in a community event with her family on Tuesday evening when shots were fired near a Seattle community center, according to police. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. in Yesler Terrace, where Wilson was speaking at the Yesler Community Center.
Reports indicated that multiple individuals fired shots near the building, damaging it. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Police stated that the mayor had been present along with several children and adults during the gunfire.
After the shooting, Wilson was escorted from the scene, as several bullets had struck the building, including a window on the side opposite where she was located. Witness accounts suggest that the suspects fled in an unidentifiable vehicle. Detectives from the Gun Violence Reduction Unit and the Crime Scene Investigation Team are currently gathering evidence and determining the details surrounding the incident.
In a statement, Wilson described the event as a “sharp reminder” of the persistent concerns over gun violence. She mentioned, “Today, shortly after I announced new investments in Seattle’s children and families, gunfire was heard. No one was injured, but it was a stark reminder of the reality that too many people live with in this city every day.”
She emphasized the importance of not allowing such occurrences to become routine, advocating for continued investments in community safety and opportunities. Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes also spoke out about the shooting, asserting that violence has no place in the community and residents deserve to gather without fear.
Authorities are appealing for information and are urging anyone with details to reach out to the Seattle Police Department’s tip line.
