Seattle Mayor Pushes for New Police Chief as City Faces Crime Crisis and Leadership Instability
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Mayor Katie Wilson has announced an urgent search for a new police chief, appointing Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim, as Seattle grapples with a deadly shooting and ongoing issues of crime and public safety.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced Friday that the city will begin an urgent search for a permanent police chief, forming a search committee to guide the process. Wilson insisted the next chief must be able to build relationships within the department, handle criticism, and communicate clearly in stressful situations—qualities that have been sorely needed as the city faces a surge in violent crime and disorder.
"Despite the challenges of this moment, I feel deeply hopeful about the future of our Police Department and of public safety in Seattle," Wilson said at the news conference, attempting to reassure a city rattled by lawlessness.
After the resignation of Chief Shon Barnes, Deputy Chief Andre Sayles was appointed interim chief. Wilson claimed Sayles was chosen for his prior experience and ability to "hit the ground running," a necessity given the current climate of instability.
"He is deeply committed to community policing and youth engagement, consistently prioritizing the relationships between law enforcement and the people being served," Wilson added, emphasizing softer approaches even as the city struggles to get tough on crime.
The leadership change comes as Seattle continues to investigate a shooting at Seattle Center that left three dead and several injured—a stark reminder of the city’s deteriorating public safety. City officials admitted that communication delays during the incident highlighted gaps that must be addressed, yet these failures are symptomatic of broader issues within city leadership and policing policy.
"There were gaps in communication all around, and I definitely want to own my part in that," Wilson said. "Part of this is communication failures within SPD and part of that is communication failures between SPD and my office."
Sayles, a veteran of Wisconsin law enforcement with more than 20 years of experience, said he does not take the interim role lightly and emphasized the department’s focus on public safety and upcoming summer events, which often see spikes in crime.
"This week has been difficult, but I also know what this department and city are capable of when we come together with a common goal of keeping our community safe," Sayles said, stressing the need for unity in law enforcement.
The police department continues to search for multiple suspects in the Seattle Center shooting, stating it is "very close" to apprehending at least one individual. A 15-year-old was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree assault, highlighting the growing problem of youth crime in the city.
Wilson defended the timing of the leadership change, insisting she has a broader perspective on department operations than council members and is making the right call for the city’s safety.
"As the executive of the city, I do have a different window into our Police Department than they do. I am making what I firmly believe is the right decision at the right time," she said, asserting her authority amid criticism.
The mayor said the eventual permanent chief should support alternative crisis response models, cooperate with accountability agencies, and encourage community feedback—policies that critics argue have weakened law enforcement’s ability to maintain order.
"I believe that the vast majority of people in our city want the same thing," Wilson said, though many residents are demanding stronger action against crime.