Seattle Mayor Appoints Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as Interim Police Chief After Shon Barnes Resigns

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes submitted his resignation on Thursday, and Mayor Katie Wilson announced Deputy Chief Andre Sayles will serve as interim chief. The leadership change comes days after a mass shooting at the Seattle Center that left three people dead and four injured, prompting scrutiny of the department's public communications.

In a press release, Mayor Wilson said she accepted Barnes' resignation letter and praised the department's professionalism in the shooting's aftermath. She added that the city will focus on addressing youth gun violence and improving communication with the public.

Barnes issued a statement through his attorneys, acknowledging the mayor's request for his resignation and expressing gratitude for his time leading the department. He emphasized the need for the city to concentrate on the investigation and healing process.

City Council members released a joint statement calling for stable leadership amid ongoing public-safety challenges, noting that Seattle has cycled through four police chiefs in two and a half years. Council members also expressed disappointment at Barnes' departure.

The Seattle Police Officers Guild criticized the mayor's handling of the situation, saying the city needs consistent leadership rather than political turmoil.

Mayor Wilson later released a video outlining gaps in the city's communication strategy after the shooting, citing delays in alerts and information sharing. She said the city will work with the police department to improve future communications.

Sayles, who has more than two decades of law-enforcement experience and joined Seattle Police in 2025, will oversee the department while a permanent chief is selected. Wilson said Sayles' background in the department's gun-violence reduction unit makes him a suitable interim leader.

The mayor plans a press conference on Friday to introduce Sayles and detail the search process for a new chief.