Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has been relieved of his duties by Mayor Katie Wilson, following intense criticism over his handling of a recent mass shooting and his frequent absences from the city. The decision came after a meeting between Barnes and Wilson, during which the mayor asked the chief to resign. It is unclear whether Barnes accepted the request or was ultimately fired.
Barnes had been under fire for his response to a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival, where seven people were struck and three died. The chief was out of town at the time, attending a conference in Dallas, and the department's delayed public response drew criticism from residents and local officials. Barnes later defended his absence, stating that he could not have predicted the shooting and that he had been attending a scheduled conference.
The police chief's ouster comes amid controversy over his frequent weekend absences, reportedly due to his family ties in Chicago. Barnes had also been criticized for a tense exchange with a reporter earlier in the week, during which he defended his commitment to the city. The confrontation followed a series of canceled interviews, which were meant to address questions about his travel and residency.
A protest is planned at Seattle City Hall to address Barnes' removal, with Black community leaders expressing their concerns about the decision. The removal of Barnes represents a significant reversal for Mayor Wilson, who had previously expressed support for the chief and his policing strategy. Barnes had been appointed to the role just a year ago, bringing with him a data-driven approach to policing that emphasized community partnership and cooperation.
The departure of Barnes leaves the Seattle Police Department facing another leadership transition, as detectives continue to investigate the recent mass shooting. A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting, and police are seeking evidence and other individuals who may have been involved. The department will now need to navigate this transition while also addressing the concerns of the community and moving forward with its policing strategy.
