Texts reveal governor had no hand in Seattle police info blackout after mass shooting - KOMO

What the report says

KOMO News reports that text messages released by Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office indicate the governor’s staff did not direct Seattle police to withhold information after a mass shooting at Seattle Center. The messages, made public Wednesday, show communications between Ferguson’s chief of staff and Seattle’s deputy mayor saying the governor’s office was not involved in deciding what police told the public during the response.

The scrutiny centers on a delay before Seattle police held their first press briefing. According to KOMO, reporters were initially told a news conference would happen at 9:45 p.m., but it did not begin until roughly an hour later. A police officer at the scene told reporters the department was waiting for “dignitaries,” while city officials later said the delay was tied to an active investigation, the need to confirm facts and rumors circulating after the shooting.

KOMO reported that Seattle police issued only one public social media update between about 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday, saying officers were investigating a shooting with multiple victims and asking people to avoid the area. During that period, several public officials, including Ferguson, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, released statements. Mayor Katie Wilson also posted an update that initially said two suspects were in custody before it was revised to one.

Ferguson’s office said city officials advised during 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. conference calls that Seattle Center remained an active crime scene and that elected officials should not go there. The governor said he followed that advice until learning around 10:10 p.m. that the mayor was headed to the scene for media availability. He arrived about 10:30 p.m., and the press event began around 11 p.m.