Seattle Mayor Harrell says he was racially profiled in 1996 firearm arrest

KUOW has uncovered a controversial period in the life of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell -- one that he's rarely discussed in public. In 1996, while at a casino in Iowa, Harrell brandished a gun in a late-night confrontation over a parking spot. Harrell was arrested over the incident before the charges were dismissed five months later. He says he was racially profiled in the events leading up to the arrest. KUOW’s reporting is the first local coverage of Mayor Harrell’s run-in with the law. It comes at an important moment because this year, Harrell is up for reelection. The reporting on the incident comes from KUOW investigative reporter Ashley Hiruko, who joined Soundside to share her reporting.  Guests: Ashley Hiruko, KUOW investigative reporter Related Links:  KUOW - Seattle Mayor Harrell was arrested in 1996 for pulling gun during parking lot confrontation Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.