Police chief resigns days after deadly shooting in US city of Seattle

What the report says

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned less than a week after a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival, according to Al Jazeera and The Associated Press. Mayor Katie Wilson announced the departure on Thursday, and Deputy Chief Andre Sayles was named interim chief. The shooting on Sunday left three people dead and four injured, including a two-year-old boy, and police said they are still looking for at least one additional suspect.

The resignation came amid criticism of how city officials communicated with the public after the attack. Police shared an initial social media post soon after the shooting, but there was then a long gap before another update, and the city did not issue an emergency alert. Wilson also incorrectly said two suspects had been arrested before later correcting herself. She said the response at the scene likely saved lives, but the public messaging did not meet the moment.

Barnes said in a statement that leading the department had been an honor and said he hoped the transition would help Seattle focus on youth gun violence and prevention. His exit drew mixed reaction: some Black community groups and city council members urged Wilson not to make him the sole target for broader public safety failures, while others noted Seattle has had several police chiefs in a short period. The change comes as the city prepares for another major event, the Seafair festival.