Mayor Katie Wilson announced Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as Seattle’s interim police chief after Chief Shon Barnes resigned following a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival. The city is pushing an active investigation into the incident while promising more security at summer events and starting a search for a permanent chief who can restore trust and operational effectiveness.
Katie Wilson opened her news conference saying, “I do not take lightly what it means to make decisions that affect people’s safety and their lives,” before naming Andre Sayles as interim police chief. She stressed the need for steady leadership and picked Sayles because of his prior experience leading an entire department. That choice is meant to calm a shaken city and give officers clear direction.
Wilson said, “I chose Andre Sayles because he has done this job before and can hit the ground running. He served as chief of police in Wisconsin, where he led with a community-focused approach that strengthened both public safety and community trust. He has earned the respect of our police force in his time here, and that is exactly what we need right now.” Those are high expectations in a moment where results matter more than rhetoric.
Chief Barnes had faced public criticism after the shooting left two people dead and four others wounded at the Bite of Seattle at Seattle Center. He called the incident “targeted” and “gang-related” and said the victims were “not related to the suspects in any way.” One arrest has been made and one person believed to have been involved in the shooting has died, while investigators continue to pursue any other suspects.
Barnes resigned on Thursday, delivering his decision through legal counsel and saying the mayor requested his resignation the day before. Wilson publicly acknowledged Barnes’ service, saying, “Chief Barnes has served this department and this city with dedication, and I am grateful for his service. The courage and professionalism that the officers of the Seattle Police Department showed deserves to be honored.” The departure still leaves questions about accountability and who can drive change fast.
Sayles was clear about priorities, noting the department will intensify work on the case and public safety at events. “The ongoing investigation into the Seattle Center shooting remains a top priority,” he added, and promised the department would work to “identify and arrest anyone responsible.” He also pledged to unite the force “grounded in service, pride and dedication” so patrol officers feel supported and neighborhoods feel safer.
Wilson said the city will boost staff at remaining major summer events and launch a formal search for a permanent police chief who can deliver both operational excellence and cultural shift. “I will be looking for someone who can be an effective leader of our police department, from top to bottom,” she said, promising a selection process that includes voices from across the city. Her pitch is for a leader who can earn officer respect while instituting meaningful reforms.
She also warned that change must be firm and fair, saying she wants someone who can “while also leading needed changes to culture and protocol in a way that is firm and fair. I will be looking for someone who can practice clear communication in stressful situations.” That combination of discipline and communication is what many residents and conservatives expect: a police chief who backs officers and defends public safety without sacrificing accountability.
