Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned, days after a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival resulted in two deaths and four injuries. Mayor Katie Wilson announced Thursday that she had accepted Barnes' letter of resignation.
"Chief Barnes has served this department and this city with dedication, and I am grateful for his service," Wilson said in a statement. "The courage and professionalism that the officers of the Seattle Police Department showed deserves to be honored."
Barnes, who was appointed chief in late 2024, stated through his attorney that Wilson requested his resignation during a meeting Wednesday. He said he believes stepping down is the best path forward for the city, which is still processing the aftermath of the shooting at Seattle Center. "The city’s focus should rightfully be on the investigation of the tragic events at the Seattle Center, justice for the victims, and healing the city from a senseless act of gun violence," Barnes said.
Wilson's office announced that Deputy Chief Andre Sayles will be appointed as interim chief. "My vision for public safety in this city is grounded in transparency, trust, and genuine collaboration with the community," Wilson said. "Keeping people safe requires trust, and trust requires that this department shows up in neighborhoods every day, builds relationships with residents, community organizations, and small businesses, and is accountable to the people it serves."
The resignation follows a shooting on July 26 where a "targeted gang-related" gunfight reportedly broke out and shots were fired into a crowd at the festival near the Space Needle. Barnes stated that the six victims were not related to the suspects. Officials confirmed that a 15-year-old has been arrested and a 19-year-old man believed to be involved in the shooting has died. Investigators continue to search for additional suspects.
Barnes, who was out of town for a conference when the shooting occurred, had also recently addressed questions regarding his travel frequency, particularly to Chicago where his family resides. "I think any reports that I'm gone every weekend are grossly misstated. I don't have that kind of money," Barnes said Tuesday. "I'm here in Seattle. I love the neighborhood that I live in. I love my community."