Seattle mayor Ed Murray resigns after cousin becomes fifth man to allege childhood sexual abuse

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray resigned on Tuesday, just hours after a younger cousin became the fifth man to accuse him of childhood sexual abuse, allegedly committed decades ago in New York.

Murray, a former Democratic state legislator elected mayor in 2013, said in a statement that he is resigning effective 5pm Wednesday.

“While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that my personal issues do not affect the ability of our city government to conduct the public’s business,” Murray said in a statement, adding he was proud of his accomplishments while in office.

The mayor stayed in his office Tuesday and didn’t address his staff at large before his resignation announcement, according to a source. Pizza was seen being delivered to his staff on the seventh floor of City Hall.

City Council President Bruce Harrell will temporarily serve as mayor and will decide within five days whether to fill out the remainder of Murray’s term. If he decides against it, the council would pick another of its members to serve as mayor until the November 7 election results are certified.