Seattle Mayor Ed Murray spoke publicly for the first time on Friday afternoon after a new lawsuit alleged he sexually abused a teenager in the 1980s.
Murray said he will not resign.
"Let me be clear: These allegations dating back to more than a period of 30 years are simply not true," he said. "I will not back down now. I will continue to be mayor of this city. I will continue to run for re-election, and I plan to lead this city as we work our way through the wind and rain storm of this weekend as well as the many challenges we face going forward."
If the change happens for any reason, the Office of Emergency Management must be notified.
If Murray stepped down or was incapacitated, the Charter of the City of Seattle outlines who would temporarily assume job of mayor.
The first in the line of succession is City Council President Bruce Harrell. If Harrell is unable to fulfill the duties of "acting mayor," the position would fall to Council President Pro Tempore Rob Johnson.
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.