Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes became visibly angered when a reporter questioned his whereabouts during a mass shooting that left three people dead and at least four injured at the Bite of Seattle food festival. The confrontation occurred Monday, July 27, 2026, after Barnes and Mayor Katie Wilson held a press conference to update the public on the shooting that took place Sunday evening.
Barnes, who stated he had a medical procedure on Friday, told South Seattle Emerald reporter Connor Nash that he did not have to account for his location. "I had a medical procedure on Friday. I have been here working as hard as I can for this city, from the day I got here. You got that?" Barnes said. When Nash followed up by mentioning reports of the chief not being in the city often, Barnes responded, "The reports are wrong, do you understand?" A staff member intervened as the exchange escalated, ushering the chief away.
Shooting Details Emerge
Police now believe at least three suspects were involved in the Sunday shooting, which occurred around 6 p.m. near the Space Needle during the final hours of the annual festival. Two individuals died at the scene, and a third succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. The deceased were identified as two men, ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman. Four others were wounded, including a two-year-old boy who was in satisfactory condition on Monday. Two men, aged 23 and 27, and a 39-year-old woman were treated and released from the hospital.
According to a document filed in juvenile court, investigators believe the 15-year-old suspect, who was arrested and is being held on suspicion of firearms violations and first-degree assault, engaged in a gunfight with at least one other unknown suspect. One of the deceased individuals was identified as an acquaintance of the teen, and police suspect at least one additional unknown shooter was involved. The document stated that one of the victims was struck while walking a bicycle, and the toddler was with his mother when he was shot.
The Bite of Seattle is a three-day festival that draws hundreds of vendors and performers to Seattle Center. The sound of gunfire caused many attendees to flee or seek shelter.
A 15-year-old suspect did not appear for a scheduled initial court appearance on Monday. The reason for his absence was not immediately clear. The festival grounds were secured by police following the incident, with officers seen detaining individuals near Seattle Center.