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

Seattle police waited nearly five hours after a mass shooting at Seattle Center before holding their first news conference, with a police officer telling reporters the briefing was delayed so "dignitaries" could arrive. Text messages released by Gov. Bob Ferguson's office Wednesday show communication between the governor's chief of staff and Seattle's deputy mayor stating the governor's office had no role in determining what Seattle police communicated to the public during the investigation. Reporters at the scene were initially told Seattle police would hold a news conference at 9:45 p.m.; KOMO News reported the briefing was delayed about an hour after a police officer told reporters they were "holding for dignitaries." RAW: 'We're holding for dignitaries': Police say to reporters nearly 5 hours after mass shooting Police held their first news conference at about 10:50 p.m. The Assistant Chief of Police gave the briefing in place of Police Chief Shon Barnes. Mayor Wilson, Gov. Ferguson and Rep. Jayapal also addressed reporters. Seattle police and the mayor said the delay in releasing information was due to the active investigation and the need to verify information amid circulating rumors. TIMELINE: Untangling inconsistencies, seeking accountability in Bite of Seattle shooting According to the governor's office, city officials told Ferguson during conference calls at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. that Seattle Center remained an active crime scene and advised elected officials not to go there. The governor said he followed that guidance until learning around 10:10 p.m. that the mayor was heading to Seattle Center for a media availability. He arrived about 10:30 p.m., and the press event began around 11 p.m. Between 6 p.m. and about 11 p.m. Sunday, Seattle police publicly released only a single social media post at 6:29 p.m. stating they were investigating a shooting involving multiple victims and advising people to avoid the area. During that time, public officials, including U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Gov. Bob Ferguson, issued public statements. Mayor Katie Wilson also posted a statement on her blog between about 8:30 and 9 p.m. that initially said two suspects were in custody - the first time that information had been publicly communicated. The post was later edited to say one suspect was in custody.