Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s staff ended a television interview this week after questions were raised about whether a recent shooting near one of her public events would affect the city’s decision to pause the expansion of surveillance cameras.

The incident occurred outside the Yesler Community Center, where Wilson had just concluded remarks announcing an expansion of Seattle’s preschool program.

Gunfire broke out nearby while families and children were present for the event. Authorities have not released details about the cause of the shooting.

Police said no injuries were reported. Several individuals, including City Councilmember Maritza Rivera and the Seattle Public Schools superintendent, sheltered inside the building during a brief lockdown.

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Wilson was escorted away from the area after the first shots were heard.

Law enforcement later confirmed the shooting was not directed at the mayor or any city officials.

Wilson addressed the incident publicly for the first time during a Friday interview with KOMO News senior reporter Chris Daniels.

“I’m doing great. I’ve got a great team supporting me. I’ll just say we don’t have any indication that the shooting was targeted or anything like that. I think it’s a reminder of how much work we have to do as a city on gun violence. But I’m doing fine,” Wilson said.

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Daniels followed up by asking about public concerns related to gun violence and the use of surveillance technology.

“Last question… People are concerned there has been rising gun violence and should be more surveillance cameras,” Daniels said.

“Does this change your perspective at all?”

As Wilson began to respond, a staff member stepped in and halted the line of questioning.

An off-camera voice instructed that the interview remain “on topic.”

Wilson then said, “We’re just trying to keep it in the scope and respect the event itself.”

Another staff member intervened as the mayor began to leave, stating, “We just need to keep it within the constraints of the event itself.”

Daniels responded to the interruption, saying, “It looks worse when you jump in like that,” after the interview was cut short.

The exchange took place against the backdrop of Wilson’s earlier policy decision regarding surveillance technology in Seattle.

In March 2026, the mayor paused the expansion of police-operated closed-circuit television cameras and automatic license plate readers, citing concerns about privacy and potential misuse.

The prior administration had launched a pilot program placing cameras in high-crime areas, with plans to expand coverage to neighborhoods including the Stadium District, Central District, and Capitol Hill.

Wilson’s decision halted most of that expansion pending a comprehensive review.

City officials have said the review will include an audit of how data is collected, stored, and used, as well as an evaluation of privacy safeguards.

The administration has stated that the pause is intended to assess the impact of surveillance technology before further deployment.

Despite the pause, existing camera systems remain in operation in certain parts of the city.

Officials have said those systems cover approximately 1% of Seattle’s geographic area but account for about 20% of reported crime activity.

Wilson has allowed for limited use of additional surveillance tools in specific circumstances.

City officials have indicated that expanded camera activation may be permitted in the Stadium District during the upcoming World Cup if credible security threats are identified.

The shooting near the Yesler Community Center and the subsequent interview have drawn attention to ongoing discussions about public safety and surveillance policies in Seattle.

City leaders continue to review current strategies while addressing concerns raised by residents and officials regarding crime and the use of technology in law enforcement.

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