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Seattle Police Chief Resigns, Gets $600K Severance Package

8/4/2026

Summary

Barnes Resigns

Seattle police Chief Shon Barnes resigned Thursday after Mayor Katie Wilson demanded his departure and will receive $600,000, $50,000 signing bonus and $60,000 relocation benefit.
Mayor Wilson appointed Andre Sayles interim chief to refocus safety.
Clergy and leaders met at City Hall, urging Wilson to keep Barnes, saying removal harms trust.
The resignation follows criticism of police communication after the Bite of Seattle shooting that killed three and injured four.

Summary

Barnes Resigns Seattle

Shon Barnes resigned as Seattle police chief after leading Madison, Wisconsin’s police department from 2021 to early 2025.
He directed training for Chicago’s civilian police oversight office and served as deputy chief in Salisbury and captain in Greensboro, N.C.
Seattle Police Department records show he was absent for about seven weeks—40 % of a 17-week span—including a Dallas trip on the day of the Bite of Seattle shooting.

History

Historical Context

Freddie Gray’s April 2015 death sparked citywide riots and prompted the DOJ to investigate the Baltimore Police Department, leading to a consent decree approved in April 2017 that required de-escalation training and civilian oversight. Commissioner Kevin Davis, appointed later that year, oversaw the reforms until his 2018 dismissal by Mayor Catherine Pugh amid a record 343 homicides in 2017.

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Barnes Resigns

Seattle police Chief Shon Barnes resigned Thursday after Mayor Katie Wilson demanded his departure and will receive $600,000, $50,000 signing bonus and $60,000 relocation benefit.
Mayor Wilson appointed Andre Sayles interim chief to refocus safety.
Clergy and leaders met at City Hall, urging Wilson to keep Barnes, saying removal harms trust.
The resignation follows criticism of police communication after the Bite of Seattle shooting that killed three and injured four.

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