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Seattle Police Chief Resigns, Deputy Sayles Named Interim

7/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mayor Katie Wilson announced Chief Shon Barnes resigned and Deputy Chief Andre Sayles will be interim chief.
Wilson said the city went five hours without an update after the Bite of Seattle shooting and did not use alert system.
Barnes, appointed chief in December 2024 by former Mayor Bruce Harrell after leading Madison Police Department, is succeeded by Sayles, who has more than 20 years experience and previously led Beloit, Wisconsin.

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Story summary

Mayor Katie Wilson announced Chief Shon Barnes resigned and Deputy Chief Andre Sayles will be interim chief.
Wilson said the city went five hours without an update after the Bite of Seattle shooting and did not use alert system.
Barnes, appointed chief in December 2024 by former Mayor Bruce Harrell after leading Madison Police Department, is succeeded by Sayles, who has more than 20 years experience and previously led Beloit, Wisconsin.