Key facts
- Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson defended her decision to remove Police Chief Shon Barnes.
- The leadership change followed a fatal shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival.
- Three people were killed and four were injured in the festival shooting.
- Deputy Chief Andre Sayles has been appointed as the interim police chief.
- Community organizations criticized Wilson's decision and supported Barnes's service.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has defended her decision to remove Police Chief Shon Barnes, stating it was the "right decision at the right time" and that multiple factors, including the response to a fatal shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival, contributed to the change. Barnes resigned on Thursday, and Deputy Chief Andre Sayles has been appointed as interim chief.
The festival shooting, which occurred near the Space Needle, resulted in three deaths and four injuries, including a 2-year-old boy. While a 15-year-old suspect was arrested, police are still searching for additional individuals involved in the gang-related shootout. Both the mayor and the former police chief faced criticism for their communication following the incident.
Despite the criticism, several Black community organizations, such as the Seattle NAACP and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, issued statements supporting Barnes, crediting him with improving community relations and departmental operations. They argued that Barnes should not be made a scapegoat for broader public safety challenges.