Seattle Mayor Forces Police Chief Resignation Over Leadership Issues
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson asked former police chief Shon Barnes to resign, citing leadership concerns including communication failures, his absence during the Bite of Seattle shooting, a federal tax lien and policy disagreements, KIRO 7 News Seattle reported. Earlier, KOMO reported that Barnes cancelled a scheduled interview after travel records showed he was away from Seattle for nearly 50 days between March and July, including during the shooting. Fox News said Wilson had previously requested his resignation following criticism of the department’s response to the incident. Community groups and the Downtown Seattle Association protested the mayor’s alleged dismissal, KOMO reported.
Barnes resigned and Deputy Chief Andre Sayles was appointed interim chief, KOMO reported. City council members questioned the timing of Wilson’s request amid the ongoing investigation, KOMO reported. Al Jazeera noted Barnes stepped down less than a week after the festival shooting. The Seattle Times reported that Wilson and council members clashed over the handling of the mass shooting that left three dead.
