Mayor statement on killing of Seattle police officer

SEATTLE – Mayor Greg Nickels today released this statement following the shooting death of a Seattle police officer and the wounding of a second officer during an incident on Oct. 31, 2009.

"At around 10 p.m. last night, Field Training Officer Timothy Brenton was killed in the line of duty and Student Officer Brit Sweeney wounded in what appears to be a cold-blooded, premeditated shooting. Our community is in shock at this brutal and senseless crime. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Brenton and we will support them in the difficult days ahead. I spoke with Officer Sweeney last night at Harborview Medical Center and offered my thanks for doing a tough job. She faced an officer’s worst nightmare just weeks into her police career. This was the first intentional homicide of a Seattle police officer since 1994. The killing of someone who protects our public safety is universally condemned, and our city is united in rejecting this violence and supporting the men and women in uniform. Let us be clear: we will not rest until the assailant is brought to justice. I’ve directed that city flags be lowered until after the funeral and ask that we keep all our officers and public servants in our prayers."

Get the Nickels Newsletter and the mayor’s inside view on transportation, public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities. Sign up at mayor.seattle.gov.

###

Office of the Mayor