Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has reportedly relieved Police Chief Shon Barnes of his duties, according to multiple sources cited by FOX 13 Seattle. The decision comes after a week of mounting criticism regarding Barnes' perceived absence from the city and the department's response to a recent mass shooting.
Barnes was reportedly asked to resign during a meeting with Mayor Wilson on Wednesday night, following his abrupt departure from a vigil honoring the victims of the Bite of Seattle mass shooting that occurred Sunday. It remains unclear whether Barnes accepted the resignation request or was ultimately terminated. Neither the mayor's office nor the Seattle Police Department has publicly confirmed the change or announced an interim leader.
The controversy intensified earlier in the week when Barnes engaged in a tense exchange with a reporter who questioned his frequent absences from the city, noting his family resides in Chicago. Barnes, who was in Dallas attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives’ annual conference when the shooting occurred, defended his commitment to Seattle.
Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis led the department's initial public briefing several hours after the gunfire, which left three dead and four injured. Barnes later appeared with Mayor Wilson at a news conference, stating, "I wish that I had a crystal ball and we could schedule gun violence, but we can’t."
Barnes' reported ouster by Wilson marks a significant shift, as she had previously stated her intention to keep him and work on enhancing professionalism, accountability, compassion, and community partnership within the department. Barnes was appointed by Wilson's predecessor just one year ago following a nationwide search.
Barnes previously led the police department in Madison, Wisconsin, and held leadership roles in Chicago, Greensboro, and Salisbury, North Carolina. Upon his arrival in Seattle, he promoted a strategy called "Seattle-Centric Policing," which focused on precinct-level crime priorities and collaboration between law enforcement and community stakeholders.
Amidst reports of Barnes' dismissal, Black community leaders, including the Seattle NAACP and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, have organized a protest planned for City Hall.
The Seattle Police Department is currently investigating the mass shooting, and a 15-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Detectives are continuing to search for additional evidence and potential suspects.