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Seattle Mayor Fires Police Chief After Festival Shooting

7/31/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Katie Wilson relieved Police Chief Shon Barnes of his duties on Wednesday night.
The dismissal followed a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival Sunday night.
Barnes missed the subsequent briefing because he was in Dallas attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Conference.
An open letter from the Black community urged Wilson not to fire Barnes, while police continue to seek a third suspect.

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Story summary

Mayor Katie Wilson relieved Police Chief Shon Barnes of his duties on Wednesday night.
The dismissal followed a mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival Sunday night.
Barnes missed the subsequent briefing because he was in Dallas attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Conference.
An open letter from the Black community urged Wilson not to fire Barnes, while police continue to seek a third suspect.