Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned, marking a sudden leadership change for the department as the city continues to deal with the fallout from a mass shooting. The mayor’s office announced the move on Thursday.
Mayor Katie Wilson named Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim police chief. The appointment puts Sayles in charge on a temporary basis while Seattle moves through the transition at the top of its police department.
The resignation comes at a sensitive moment for city leadership and public safety officials. With attention focused on the response to the recent shooting and its aftermath, the change in command is likely to draw close scrutiny from residents and local leaders.
City officials have not released broader details in the announcement summarized Thursday afternoon, but the decision immediately reshapes police leadership in Seattle. For now, the department will operate under Sayles as interim chief while the city addresses the ongoing public safety and political implications of Barnes’ departure.
