Even before Mayor Greg Nickels had released a statement about Saturday night's shooting of a Seattle police officer, mayoral candidate Joe Mallahan had e-mailed a statement to the press.

"I was deeply saddened to learn last night of the murder of a Seattle police officer near the corner of 29th Avenue and East Yesler Way.
This horrific and senseless act of violence rips at the heart of every citizen, family, and community in our city. All acts of violence should be condemned, but this random, gruesome act of violence against the very people who fight so hard to stop it is particularly shocking.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the officer killed, the officer who was wounded, and to the men and women and extended family of the Seattle Police Department. We mourn for every victim of violence in our city, and we especially mourn when we lose one of our first responders, all of whom have dedicated their lives to protecting us."

Mike McGinn, in several public appearances including an on-air KUOW debate with Mallahan this morning, has spoken about the shooting, as well. He was hesitant, on the radio today, to comment about the mayor's role after the shooting.

"I think as a candidate, my job is to be supportive of the work that's being done by the police and the mayor and the community in this case, and not to second-guess it," he said.

When asked this morning, he e-mailed me this brief statement:

I join with all of Seattle in mourning a fallen hero. We offer our thoughts and prayers to Officer Timothy Brenton's wife and two children, his extended family, his colleagues and his friends.

I know that the Seattle Police Department is doing everything in its power to ensure that the person responsible for this cowardly act will be swiftly brought to justice.