Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell wrote in a statement on Monday that he and his colleagues won't comment on sex abuse accusations made against Mayor Ed Murray.
Key developments:
- A 46-year-old man filed a lawsuit last week claiming Murray sexually abused him as a homeless, drug-addicted teen in the 1980s.
- In a statement released Monday, Harrell said the council is committed to "the business of governing" and won't make statements on pending or potential litigation.
- Murray has denied the allegations, saying they were politically motivated.
- Harrell says the council can't afford to be distracted by the claims.
Below read a breakdown of the case against Murray and the full statement from the Harrell.
About the lawsuit
Murray’s response
"These false accusations are intended to damage a prominent elected official who has been a defender of<br/> vulnerable populations for decades. It is not a coincidence that this shakedown effort comes within weeks of the campaign filing deadline. These unsubstantiated assertions, dating back three decades, are categorically false. Mayor Murray has never engaged in an inappropriate relationship with any minor.
Other sexual abuse allegations against Murray
No comment from city council
Council President Bruce Harrell issued the following statement on Monday.
"My Council colleagues and I have no intention of commenting on matters of pending or potential litigation. We believe that it is critically important that, together, we remain committed to the business of governing.
"All City employees and City departments are focused on our core responsibilities of customer service, affordable housing, homelessness, public safety, transportation, education, and ensuring equality for all in a great, but rapidly growing city. The work before us is too critical for the future of Seattle and its residents. We intend to continue working with unwavering dedication to serving the people who put their faith in us.
"Our city cannot afford to be distracted. There is a judicial process that will address the serious allegations that this situation has presented, and we will respect that process and the rights of all parties involved. All accusations of abuse require a thorough investigation. It is in our human nature to immediately want answers, but I ask we not cast aspersions to the parties involved before we have all the facts through the legal process. I am confident that through this process, truth and justice will prevail.
"It is worth repeating we are steadfast and focused on serving the people of Seattle. Council has a strong committee structure that works with the city's 40 departments in upholding our City Charter '<em>of protecting and enhancing the health, safety, environment, and general welfare of the people; to enable municipal government to provide services and meet the needs of the people efficiently; to allow fair and equitable participation of all persons in the affairs of the City; to provide for transparency, accountability, and ethics in governance and civil service; to foster fiscal responsibility; to promote prosperity and to meet the broad needs for a healthy, growing City.</em>'"