Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson on Friday defended her decision to dismiss the city's police chief as "the right decision at the right time," while declining to elaborate on the specific factors that led to the change.
The leadership transition occurred as authorities continue to search for individuals involved in a fatal, gang-related shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival last weekend. A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged with assault in connection with the incident, but charging documents indicate the firearm they were seen with was not responsible for the deaths of two bystanders.
Both Wilson and then-Police Chief Shon Barnes faced criticism for delays in releasing key information following the Sunday shootout, including confirmation of whether suspects were still at large.
Barnes, who served as the city's second Black police chief, had been recognized for efforts to increase officer recruitment and contribute to a reduction in downtown crime. His dismissal prompted criticism from several Black community organizations, a significant business association, and multiple City Council members, who issued statements expressing disapproval of Wilson's decision.
During a news conference on Friday, where interim chief Andre Sayles was present, Wilson acknowledged Barnes' service. She asserted that her position as mayor provided her with a more comprehensive view of the Seattle Police Department's operations compared to her critics.
Wilson stated that the lack of immediate communication following the mass shooting at a major public event was not the sole reason for asking Barnes to resign, indicating "multiple factors" were involved and that "The events of Sunday played into it."
Sayles announced that the department would increase police staffing at public festivals for the remainder of the summer. He also expressed confidence that investigators are nearing the apprehension of additional suspects connected to the shootout.
The gunfire erupted during the concluding hours of the Bite of Seattle, an annual three-day festival featuring numerous food and retail vendors, as well as performers. The incident resulted in three deaths, including a suspect, and injured four individuals, one of whom was a 2-year-old boy.