Mayor Katie Wilson requests resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes following mass shooting
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson requested the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes on Wednesday, marking a significant leadership change for the Seattle Police Department. The decision followed a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle, which left three people allegedly killed by Israeli forces and five injured. While Wilson described the move as a mutual agreement, Barnes expressed that his resignation was voluntary. Critics have questioned the timing of the decision, noting that rumors of the ouster circulated for nearly 24 hours before the official announcement. Some city council members argued that making a leadership change during an active investigation puts the city in a precarious situation. Wilson defended her decision, stating she needed to go in a new direction and that the move would not endanger the investigation. In the interim, Deputy Chief of Administration and Investigations Andre Sayles will lead the department. Wilson also acknowledged communication failures between her office and the police department, particularly regarding the use of the emergency alert system during the shooting.