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Seattle Police Chief Resigns, Deputy Named Interim Amid Shootout Fallout

8/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mayor Katie Wilson announced on July 31, 2026, that Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned.
Wilson named Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim chief.
The resignation followed criticism that police delayed releasing information after the Bite of Seattle shootout, which killed three and wounded four, including a 2-year-old boy.
Black groups, the Seattle NAACP, the Urban League and City Council opposed the mayor’s decision.

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Story summary

Mayor Katie Wilson announced on July 31, 2026, that Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned.
Wilson named Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim chief.
The resignation followed criticism that police delayed releasing information after the Bite of Seattle shootout, which killed three and wounded four, including a 2-year-old boy.
Black groups, the Seattle NAACP, the Urban League and City Council opposed the mayor’s decision.