Seattle Police Delay Release of Messages Related to Bite of Seattle Incident
Seattle's Interim Chief Andre Sayles announced a delay in releasing internal text and Microsoft Teams messages concerning the violent incident at the Bite of Seattle event, citing the need for accuracy and to protect investigative leads.
Seattle Tacoma, WA, September 11, 2026 — Seattle Police Department’s Interim Chief Andre Sayles has announced a postponement in the release of internal text messages and Microsoft Teams communications. These messages are related to a violent incident that occurred at the Bite of Seattle event.
The decision to delay the release was communicated by Chief Sayles, who cited specific reasons for the postponement. According to the announcement, the delay is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information being compiled and to safeguard ongoing investigative leads. This approach aims to prevent any potential compromise to the integrity of the investigation.
The nature of the violent incident at the Bite of Seattle event has not been detailed in the announcement regarding the message release. The specific details of the incident itself, including its timeline, impact, or any individuals involved beyond the context of police communications, were not provided as part of this update on the communication records.
Chief Sayles emphasized that the department’s priority is to conduct a thorough and accurate review before making the communications public. The precise timeline for when these internal messages will eventually be released remains undetermined. The department has not provided an updated date or a framework for when the public can expect access to these records.
The delay underscores the department’s commitment to meticulous investigative processes, particularly when dealing with sensitive internal communications that could impact public trust and ongoing inquiries. Further details regarding the content of the messages or the investigative steps being taken were not disclosed.
Story summarized from the original created by Public Affairs on spdblotter.seattle.gov, see more information here.
