Seattle Mayor Fires Police Chief Over Shooting Response

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes was removed from his position by Mayor Katie Wilson on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, following intense criticism of his absence from the city and his department's delayed public response to a deadly mass shooting days earlier. The mayor's office had not publicly confirmed the leadership change as of Thursday.

Chief Barnes was reportedly asked to resign during a meeting with Mayor Wilson after he left a silent vigil for the victims of Sunday's shooting. Multiple sources indicated Barnes began texting individuals about his dismissal Wednesday evening. He had canceled a series of scheduled media interviews earlier that day.

The removal stems from the chaotic aftermath of a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on the evening of Sunday, July 26. Gunfire erupted near the Seattle Center Armory, killing three people and wounding four others. Police believe the violence involved an exchange of gunfire between multiple individuals, with gang involvement suspected. A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged with first-degree assault, while investigators continue to seek at least one other suspect. One of the deceased, a 19-year-old, is believed to...