Seattle Police Chief Resigns Following Criticism Over Response to Deadly Festival Shooting

SEATTLE: Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned following mounting criticism over the department’s handling of public communication after last weekend’s deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle, city officials announced on Thursday.

Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed Barnes’ resignation and appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim police chief. The mayor acknowledged shortcomings in the department’s communication, noting that although officers responded rapidly to the shooting, police took nearly five hours to release detailed information to the public and did not effectively use emergency alert systems.

The shooting, which occurred during the annual food festival, left three people dead, including one suspected gunman, and four others injured, among them a two-year-old child. Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect at the scene, while investigators continue searching for additional suspects believed to have been involved in the exchange of gunfire. Preliminary findings indicate that the bullets that killed two bystanders were not fired from the arrested teenager’s weapon.

Barnes, who became Seattle’s police chief in 2024, faced increasing scrutiny over the department’s response to the incident. Despite his resignation, several City Council members and community organizations praised his efforts to strengthen public safety and improve relations between law enforcement and local communities during his tenure.

Mayor Wilson said the city would remain focused on addressing youth gun violence and restoring public confidence in law enforcement as Seattle prepares to host its annual Seafair Weekend celebrations under heightened security measures.