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July 30, 2026
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes Resigns Amid Criticism of Shooting Response
- Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned after criticism of the city's response to a shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival that left three dead.
- Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim chief following Barnes' departure.
- Barnes faced backlash for being out of town during the shooting and for the police department's slow communication in the aftermath.
3 Sources
- Embattled Seattle police chief relieved of his duties by democratic socialist mayor, Black protest plannedJul 30, 2026 at 2:57 PM · Fox News
- Seattle’s Police Chief Resigns Under PressureJul 30, 2026 at 11:02 PM · NYT
- Seattle police chief resigns amid backlash over festival shooting responseJul 31, 2026 at 12:17 AM · Independent