Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced Friday that she asked Police Chief Shon Barnes to step down, citing a need for leadership more consistently present in the city and improved communication protocols. The decision follows backlash over Barnes's handling of a deadly shooting at a food festival over the weekend.
Barnes had faced scrutiny for being out of town when a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival left three people dead and four injured. He also drew criticism for his response to a reporter's questions about his absences from the city, with reports indicating he frequently traveled to Chicago where his family resides.
"I am making what I firmly believe is the right decision at the right time," Wilson stated at a press conference. "Part of this is a sense of urgency around upcoming events this summer." She added that she is seeking a leader "who is really committed to the city, to being here and really wants to lead the department in a good direction."
Wilson acknowledged miscommunications between the Seattle Police Department (SPD) and her office following the shooting. Her office faced criticism for delays in releasing information, taking nearly three hours to provide a statement, which also contained inaccuracies. "I want to be clear that I think there were gaps in communication all around and I definitely want to own my part of that," Wilson said. She indicated that steps are being taken to review and implement protocols for clearer, more consistent public communication during incidents.
Wilson also admitted that the city's alert system, AlertSeattle, was not used during the initial response due to a departmental miscommunication, a decision she later acknowledged was a failure. She also stated she would investigate releasing Barnes's calendar, which has drawn criticism regarding his travel frequency.
The food festival shooting claimed the lives of Carlos Israel Villalba, 44, and Ashley Whitehead, 56. A 19-year-old, identified as Junior Cee Niko Semo, was believed to be one of the shooters. Authorities have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with the incident and are seeking at least one additional suspect. Barnes had also been criticized for not initially characterizing the incident as gang violence, instead referring to the perpetrators as "small groups."
Interim Police Chief Andre Sayles provided an update on the investigation, explaining that authorities have deliberately withheld a description of the additional suspect to avoid potential injustices and ensure accuracy. 
