Seattle mayor asks police chief to step down amid criticism over shooting response
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Mayor Katie Wilson requested the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes after his absence during the Bite of Seattle shooting and related media scrutiny, though the chief's status remains unclear.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson asked Police Chief Shon Barnes to resign Wednesday night following criticism of his absence from the city and the department’s delayed public briefing after a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival. Sources said Barnes left a vigil for the victims and was subsequently confronted by the mayor, who is identified as a democratic socialist, about his conduct.
Barnes, who was attending a law-enforcement conference in Dallas when the shooting occurred, had previously canceled scheduled interviews and later texted staff about his possible dismissal. Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis led the department’s first public briefing several hours after the incident, prompting complaints from residents and officials.
During a recent news conference, Barnes defended his out-of-town travel, stating, "I wish that I had a crystal ball, and we could schedule gun violence, but we can’t." The mayor’s office and the Seattle Police Department have not confirmed whether Barnes has formally resigned or been terminated, nor have they announced a successor.
The reported leadership change comes as community groups, including the Seattle NAACP and the Urban League, plan a protest at City Hall. Barnes, appointed a year ago, previously led police departments in Madison, Wisconsin, and held positions in Chicago, Greensboro and Salisbury, North Carolina. His departure adds to the department’s challenges as detectives continue investigating the shooting, in which seven people were injured, three fatally.