(Image: King County)
Mayor Katie Wilson was whisked away by security after gunfire near her Tuesday afternoon press conference on a playground outside the Yesler Community Center.
Seattle Police says there were no reported injuries but found property damage and were searching the area of the Yesler Terrace neighborhood for a car believed to have been involved in the shooting. The gunfire was not directed at the gathering and the community center was not damaged in the incident.
Wilson was at the center to announce an expansion of free childcare and meals programs in the city.
“Shortly following my announcement of new investments in Seattle’s children and families today, we heard gunfire. No one was injured, but it was a stark reminder of a reality too many people in this city live with every day,” the mayor said in a statement following the incident.
“We cannot let this become normal. We must invest in opportunity, and we must continue working to keep people safe. Today’s announcement was about making those necessary investments. And in the weeks ahead, I’ll share more about our comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and public safety. Our work, and my responsibility, is to help create the conditions where all Seattle communities can live their lives without fear.”
According to King County, shots fired across the county incidents dropped in 2025 with a 50% year over year decrease in the fourth quarter.
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