Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned on Thursday after a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival last weekend, Mayor Katie Wilson announced. The resignation came amid criticism of the city's response to the incident, according to infohub.kz.
Wilson said she requested Barnes' resignation, and some of his supporters said he initially refused. She appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles, a law enforcement veteran with over 20 years of experience, as interim chief.
Barnes told the Seattle Times on Thursday that his future was "up to the mayor." He was off duty that day. A police department spokesperson declined to comment to the Associated Press.
Barnes was out of town at a law enforcement conference when the shooting occurred. The Bite of Seattle is an annual three-day festival with hundreds of vendors and performers. Three people, including a suspect, were killed, and four were wounded, including a two-year-old boy. Dozens of officers were present; one officer persuaded a 15-year-old suspect to surrender. Police are still searching for at least one other person.
The police department and Mayor Wilson faced criticism for slow and confusing communication. An initial social media post about the shooting was followed by a five-hour gap in information. Wilson incorrectly stated that two people were in custody, later retracting that.
Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis provided an update at a news conference around 11 p.m. Sunday, attended by the mayor, Governor Bob Ferguson, and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.
Barnes was Seattle's second Black police chief. Several Black community organizations, including the Seattle NAACP and Urban League, rallied to support him. In an open letter, they praised his work improving community relations and reducing gun violence.
Barnes was appointed by former Mayor Bruce Harrell in December 2024 after serving as chief in Madison, Wisconsin. Mayor Wilson, a democratic socialist who once supported defunding the police, kept Barnes on after her election last year, signaling a moderate approach to public safety.
Barnes faced criticism for frequent trips to Chicago, where his family lives. Sgt. Patrick Michaud said Barnes made four trips this year totaling about 18 days. He also attended police executive and recruitment conferences.