Seattle mayor defends ousting police chief after festival shootout

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson defended her decision to oust Police Chief Shon Barnes, calling it the "right decision at the right time" without providing specific reasons. This leadership change occurred as police investigate a fatal, gang-related shootout at a food festival near the Space Needle that killed three people and wounded four, including a child. While a 15-year-old was arrested and charged with assault, the gun he fired was not linked to the bystander deaths. Wilson and Barnes had faced criticism for a slow release of information following the incident. Andre Sayles has been named interim police chief, and Wilson stated that multiple factors, including the festival events, led to Barnes's resignation. Sayles announced increased police staffing at summer festivals and expressed confidence in apprehending additional suspects.

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned days after a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival. The resignation, announced by Mayor Katie Wilson, comes amid questions about the authorities' handling of the incident and its aftermath. Three people were killed and four injured in the shootout on Sunday, which occurred despite the presence of dozens of officers. While Mayor Wilson commended the officers' on-scene response, she stated that the city's public communication following the event was inadequate, citing a nearly five-hour gap in updates and a mistaken announcement about suspect apprehension. Deputy Chief Andre Sayles has been named interim chief.