Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned on Thursday, July 31, 2026, less than a week after a deadly shooting at one of the city's largest summer festivals raised questions about the authorities' handling of the incident. Mayor Katie Wilson announced Barnes's resignation and appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles, a veteran officer with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, as interim chief.

Dozens of police officers were providing security at the event when a 15-year-old suspect opened fire into the crowd. Court documents revealed that at least one officer witnessed the shooting and quickly persuaded the suspect to surrender.

In a video statement, Mayor Wilson acknowledged a lack of timely information reaching the public and press since the incident began, saying, “Had I known that, I would have pushed for an immediate briefing rather than waiting for a press conference to be organised.”

Barnes, in a statement released by the mayor’s office, described serving as Seattle’s police chief as “an honor” and expressed hope that his departure would allow the department to refocus on “addressing youth gun violence and preventing more tragedies.”

Barnes was appointed in late 2024 by former Mayor Bruce Harrell after previously leading the Madison Police Department in Wisconsin.

Sources