Seattle Mayor Reviews Police Chief's Future After Travel Scandal

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is planning a meeting with Police Chief Shon Barnes to determine his future with the department. Barnes' position is reportedly in jeopardy following a July 26 mass shooting at the Seattle Center food festival that left three people dead and at least four injured. The city administration and the Seattle Police Department faced intense criticism for a five-hour delay in releasing official information after the attack.

Controversy intensified when it was revealed that Barnes was in Dallas attending a conference for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives during the shooting. Subsequent travel records show Barnes spent nearly 50 days away from his Seattle office between late March and July. Additional reports disclosed that Barnes maintains a family residence in Chicago while paying rent for an apartment in Seattle.

Barnes has defended his work ethic and leadership, though he engaged in a heated exchange with reporters regarding his schedule. Governor Bob Ferguson and Representative Pramila Jayapal were also involved in the aftermath, causing further delays to a press conference regarding the shooting as they sought to attend.