Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson names Andre Sayles as interim police chief after Barnes resignation
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a new interim police chief on Friday following the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes after a deadly shooting at a food festival over the...
By Fox News · Fox News
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced a new interim police chief on Friday following the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes after a deadly shooting at a food festival over the weekend. "I do not take lightly what it means to make decisions that affect people's safety and their lives," Wilson said in a Friday morning news conference before announcing she had selected Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim police chief. She added, "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." SEATTLE POLICE CHIEF SNAPS OVER CHICAGO HOME QUESTIONS, ABSENCE FROM CITY AFTER MASS SHOOTING Barnes had come under criticism after two people died and four others were shot at the Bite of Seattle food festival at Seattle Center on Sunday. Barnes described the shooting a "targeted" and "gang-related" but 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. THIRD SUSPECT EMERGES IN DEADLY SEATTLE MASS SHOOTING, ONE ALLEGED GUNMAN FOUND DEAD Sayles said on Friday that the department is continuing to investigate and looking for any other possible suspects involved in the shooting. Barnes resigned on Thursday, saying in a statement through his attorney that Wilson had requested his resignation on Wednesday, and he "believes this is the best path forward for the city, which is still reeling from the shock and pain caused by the tragic events at the Seattle Center." In an earlier statement, Wilson said: "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…