Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes became defensive when questioned by a reporter about his absence from an initial press conference following a mass shooting that killed three people. Barnes stated he had a medical procedure on Friday and had been working diligently for the city.
The confrontation occurred Monday morning after Barnes and Mayor Katie Wilson concluded a press conference providing updates on Sunday evening's shooting. South Seattle Emerald reporter Connor Nash asked Barnes why he was not present at the city's initial Sunday evening press conference. A video of the exchange was posted on X by independent reporter Jonathan Choe.
"I don't have to tell you where I go. I had a medical procedure on Friday," Barnes responded to Nash. "I have been here working as hard as I can for this city, from the day I got here. You got that?"
When Nash followed up, stating there were reports of the chief not being in town often, Barnes retorted, "The reports are wrong, do you understand?" A staff member intervened and escorted Barnes away as the reporter attempted to ask a follow-up question.
Shooting Details Emerge
Authorities now believe at least three suspects were involved in the gunfire that erupted at a food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday. The incident left three people dead and at least four others injured. One of the deceased was identified as a 15-year-old suspect's acquaintance, who also died at the scene. At least one other unknown suspect is being sought.
Police stated in a juvenile court filing that evidence suggests the 15-year-old arrested in the case and the acquaintance who died engaged in a gunfight with at least one other unknown individual. The 15-year-old was being held in juvenile detention for investigation of firearms violations and first-degree assault. The teen did not appear for a scheduled initial court appearance on Monday.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. on Sunday during the waning hours of the Bite of Seattle food festival. Two people died at the scene, and a third died later at a hospital. The deceased were identified as two men, ages 19 and 44, and a woman, 56. Of the four wounded, a two-year-old boy was in satisfactory condition on Monday. The others injured included a 39-year-old woman and two men, ages 23 and 27, who were discharged from the hospital.
One victim was reportedly walking a bicycle when struck. The toddler was with his mother during the incident. The annual Bite of Seattle festival draws numerous vendors and performers to Seattle Center. Many attendees fled the park or sought shelter in buildings when the shots were fired.