Seattle police say the deputy mayor delayed a public briefing after a shooting that wounded seven people, resulting in a five‑hour postponement. The department says officers were prepared to brief the media 90 minutes after the incident, but the briefing did not occur until five hours later.
The shooting, which officials have labeled the “Bite of Seattle,” took place earlier on Wednesday and left seven individuals injured. City resources were mobilized quickly, and law‑enforcement agencies worked to secure the area and treat the victims.
Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis told reporters that the police command center had compiled all available information within the first 90 minutes and was ready to address the public. He added that the department’s standard procedure calls for a timely briefing to keep citizens informed.
According to the police statement, the deputy mayor’s decision to postpone the briefing extended the interval before officials could share details. The delay meant that community members and the press waited well beyond the typical response window.
The timeline shows the shooting occurring in the early afternoon, the police briefing readiness at the 90‑minute mark, and the eventual press conference taking place five hours after the event. During that interval, the deputy mayor’s office reportedly reviewed additional information before approving the release.
Police officials emphasize that timely communication is critical after violent incidents, and they indicated that the postponement hampered the city’s ability to provide immediate updates. The department plans to review the coordination process to prevent similar delays in future emergencies.
The police department said it will meet with city officials next week to examine the briefing protocol and to ensure that future emergencies receive prompt public information. They also intend to release a detailed after‑action report once the investigation into the shooting is complete.