Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Ousts Police Chief After Mass Shooting

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes on July 31, 2026, appointing Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim chief. The leadership change follows a July 26 mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival that left three people dead and four injured.

The resignation follows intense scrutiny over communication gaps between the Mayor's Office and the Seattle Police Department. Specific failures included delays in notifying the public about suspects and a failure to utilize the Alert Seattle emergency system. Barnes also faced criticism regarding his absence from the shooting scene and frequent travel outside the city. While Wilson described the transition as a mutual agreement, reports indicate she gave Barnes an ultimatum to resign or be fired.

City councilmembers and community leaders condemned the move as impulsive and reckless. Councilmember Maritza Rivera suggested the decision was a political attempt to deflect from the city's own inadequate response to the tragedy. Other critics argued that removing the police chief during an active mass shooting investigation creates instability and prioritizes political drama over public safety.