By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-30 12:49:05 | Updated at 2026-07-30 13:54:58
1 hour ago
Seattle police chief Shon Barnes has been fired amid scrutiny on his response to a tragic mass shooting in the city last week, reports say.
Barnes, 55, was dismissed by Seattle's socialist mayor Katie Wilson on Wednesday evening, sources told Fox13.
He had been criticized for not being in Seattle when three people were shot dead on Friday night at a food festival, before he was filmed squaring up to a reporter when he was questioned over his absence.
Barnes said he had been in Texas attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers Conference, and angrily told a reporter that he had been 'working as hard as I can for this city' when asked why he was away.
Authorities believe Friday's shooting was the result of several gang members shooting at each other at the food festival, but Barnes then came under scrutiny for refusing to use the term 'gangs' when describing the tragedy.
He instead used the term 'small groups that appear to be at odds with each other'.
Wilson has not commented publicly on her reasons for dismissing Barnes. The chief had led the Seattle Police Department since January 2025.
The police chief had reportedly been scheduled to give several media interviews on Wednesday evening, but the appearances were abruptly cancelled.
Hours later, he was seen at a silent vigil for the victims of Friday's shooting, and sources reportedly said he was fired by Wilson at a meeting soon after he left the memorial service.
Seattle police chief Shon Barnes has been fired amid scrutiny on his response to a tragic shooting in the city last week
Seattle mayor Katie Wilson dismissed Barnes on Wednesday evening, reports say
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as information is confirmed.
