Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has asked Police Chief Shon Barnes to resign, sources confirmed to multiple local news outlets. The move follows widespread criticism of Barnes' absence during and after a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival on July 26, which left three dead and four injured. The mayor's office and the Seattle Police Department (SPD) have not publicly confirmed the request or Barnes' response.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Mayor Wilson reportedly made the request during a meeting with Barnes on Wednesday evening, according to sources. Barnes was out of town attending a conference in Dallas when the shooting occurred and was absent from initial press briefings. He later faced scrutiny over his travel schedule, including reports that his family resides in Chicago.
Deeper Dive & Context
Public Response and Controversy
The SPD and city officials faced backlash for a delayed public response to the shooting, with hours passing before any official updates were provided. Barnes' absence during the crisis and his subsequent interviews—where he defended his commitment to Seattle—further fueled criticism. A heated exchange with a reporter over his travel plans was widely reported.
Travel and Residency Questions
Records show Barnes' family lives in Chicago, and he has faced questions about splitting his time between Seattle and Chicago. Barnes canceled multiple scheduled interviews on Wednesday, including a one-on-one with KIRO 7, which was abruptly canceled 30 minutes before the scheduled time. The SPD later rescheduled an interview, but its status remains unclear.
Community Reaction
A coalition of Seattle Black community organizations planned a rally on Thursday morning to address the situation. The rally's focus was not specified in the reports.
Uncertainty Over Leadership
As of Thursday, neither the mayor's office nor the SPD has publicly confirmed Barnes' departure or named an interim leader. The SPD has not commented on the reports.