Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned, as announced by Mayor Katie Wilson on July 30, 2026. This decision follows a mass shooting that occurred at the Bite of Seattle food festival on July 28, which resulted in three fatalities and four injuries, including a two-year-old boy.
The shooting took place during the annual food festival, which attracts hundreds of vendors and performers. Barnes was attending a law enforcement conference in Dallas at the time of the incident, leading to scrutiny regarding his absence. The police department faced criticism for its delayed communication with the public following the shooting, with significant gaps in information dissemination noted by the mayor.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Mayor Wilson appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as the interim chief. Barnes had been under pressure due to the department's response and the timing of his absence during the incident. The mayor acknowledged that communication failures occurred and committed to improving the response in future incidents.
The resignation of Chief Barnes may impact the Seattle Police Department's ongoing efforts to address public safety and community relations. The appointment of an interim chief could lead to changes in leadership style and departmental priorities.
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“Had I known that, I would have pushed for an immediate briefing, rather than waiting for a press conference to be organized.”
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