Police chief resigns days after deadly shooting in US city of Seattle | Crime News
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes Resigns Following Shooting Incident
SEATTLE (July 31, 2026) — Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has stepped down amid scrutiny over the department’s response to a shooting that occurred during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival last weekend, resulting in three fatalities and four injuries, including a two-year-old boy.
Mayor Katie Wilson announced Barnes’ resignation on Thursday and appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as the interim chief. Sayles brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the role.
The incident unfolded on Sunday when a shooting occurred at the popular festival. Although dozens of officers were present for security, at least one individual was seen firing into the crowd. Police have apprehended a 15-year-old suspect but are still searching for at least one additional suspect.
At the time of the shooting, Barnes was attending a law enforcement conference outside of Seattle. Mayor Wilson praised the rapid response of officers at the scene, stating it likely prevented further loss of life. However, she criticized the city’s communication efforts in the aftermath, as the police department did not provide another public update for nearly five hours following the initial social media post about the incident. This left residents uncertain about potential ongoing threats. Furthermore, Wilson mistakenly announced the arrest of two suspects, a statement she later retracted.
“I did not fully understand how little information had reached the public or the press since the incident began,” Wilson said in a video statement. “Had I known that, I would have advocated for an immediate briefing instead of waiting for a press conference.”
In a statement issued by the mayor’s office, Barnes characterized his tenure as chief as “an honor” and expressed hope that the transition would enable the department to concentrate on reducing youth gun violence.
Barnes’ resignation followed speculation about his future, with some supporters indicating that he resisted pressure to resign. Earlier in the day, he told The Seattle Times that his continuation as chief was “up to the mayor.”
Several Black community organizations, including the Seattle NAACP and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, voiced concerns about holding Barnes solely responsible for the city’s public safety challenges. They acknowledged his efforts to improve relations between police and the community and to reduce gun violence. Several City Council members also expressed support for Barnes, highlighting that Seattle has experienced four police chief changes in less than three years.
Barnes was appointed as chief in late 2024 by former Mayor Bruce Harrell, after previously leading the Madison Police Department in Wisconsin. The current mayor, a democratic socialist, retained Barnes when she took office this year, indicating continuity in the city’s public safety strategy.
The announcement of Barnes’ resignation comes as Seattle is preparing for another major event, with the annual Seafair festival set to commence on Friday.
