Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned on Thursday following widespread criticism of the police department’s handling of a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle. The attack, which occurred on Sunday evening, resulted in three deaths and left four others injured. The incident has placed significant pressure on Mayor Katie Wilson, who is in her first year in office.

Mayor Wilson announced the resignation in a statement emphasizing the need for transparency and trust between law enforcement and the community. “My vision for public safety in this city is grounded in transparency, trust, and genuine collaboration with the community,” she said. Wilson’s decision comes amid ongoing concerns about rising gun violence in parts of the city and questions about the department’s communication following the shooting.

Critics pointed to delays and inaccuracies in the release of information about the shooting. Police warned the public to avoid the Seattle Center area shortly after the shooting at 6 p.m. but withheld details for about five hours. Initial statements incorrectly reported that two suspects were in custody. The delay was reportedly due, in part, to police waiting for the attendance of local dignitaries, including Mayor Wilson and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, at a news briefing.

Chief Barnes, who was attending a law enforcement conference in Dallas when the shooting occurred, defended his department’s response, noting officers “ran toward gunfire” and emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, his comments in the days following the event were criticized for containing inaccuracies or incomplete information. At a Monday news conference, Barnes responded sharply to questions about his location during the incident and his family's residence outside Seattle, stating, “I wish I had a crystal ball and we could schedule gun violence. But we can’t.”

Barnes joined the Seattle Police Department in 2025 after serving as chief in Madison, Wisconsin. He took over a department facing challenges including staffing shortages, low morale, and community mistrust stemming from the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s killing. His predecessor, Adrian Diaz, was removed by then-Mayor Bruce Harrell after an investigation found he had misled investigators regarding a relationship with a subordinate.

The department under Barnes saw mixed views from community leaders, business groups, and elected officials. Some praised his leadership while others expressed concerns about ongoing violence, especially in neighborhoods near Aurora Avenue. That corridor has seen a concentration of drive-by shootings, drug activity, and prostitution, prompting Wilson to increase security camera use and other measures.

Wilson’s decision to accept Barnes’s resignation has drawn criticism from members of the City Council and civil rights advocates. Council member Maritza Rivera called the move “impulsive and reckless,” accusing the mayor of inexperience. Civil rights attorney James Bible said the decision was “confusing,” arguing the department was beginning to address long-standing misconduct issues. Supporters of Barnes also highlighted that the resignation came amid an active homicide investigation, raising concerns about its timing.

Investigators continue to search for additional suspects. Authorities believe the shooting involved at least two rival gangs and that multiple firearms were used. The case remains under active investigation as the city grapples with its ongoing challenges surrounding public safety.