The resignation of Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has prompted concern among several Black community leaders, who say the decision could affect trust between City Hall and communities that had been working to strengthen relationships with the police department.
Barnes resigned on Thursday following reports that Mayor Katie Wilson had asked him to step down. His departure came days after criticism over the city’s response to the deadly shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle festival.
Resignation
Before Barnes announced his resignation, Black clergy members, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates gathered at Seattle City Hall to urge Mayor Wilson to keep him in the role.
Many described Barnes as a leader who had worked to improve communication between the Seattle Police Department and Black communities.
Michelle Merriweather, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, said:
“How often have you seen the Black community stand up for a police officer? That should resonate.”
Later that day, Barnes submitted his resignation.
Shooting
The leadership change follows criticism of the city’s response after a mass shooting at Seattle Center left three people dead and at least four others injured.
City officials faced questions about delays in public communication and initially released incorrect information regarding the number of people in custody.
Barnes was attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference in Dallas when the shooting occurred. He returned to Seattle overnight and resumed his duties the following morning.
Community
Several Black community leaders said Barnes had made meaningful progress in building relationships with neighborhoods historically affected by gun violence.
Supporters pointed to his regular meetings with clergy, violence intervention organizations, and community groups.
The Rev. Leslie D. Braxton said Barnes invested significant effort into improving trust.
“There is no more tortured relationship in society than between police and the Black community. To create a good relationship requires a lot of hard work. He has put in that work.”
Angela Griffin, CEO of Byrd Barr Place, also defended Barnes.
“He was present when I needed him.”
Crime
Supporters also referenced crime statistics during Barnes’ tenure.
According to community leaders:
| Public Safety Measure | Reported Change |
|---|---|
| Overall crime in Seattle (2025 vs. 2024) | Down 18% |
| Homicides in June 2026 | None reported |
Community leaders noted that crime trends declined in several U.S. cities during the same period.
Leadership
On Thursday, Mayor Wilson appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim police chief while the city begins its search for a permanent replacement.
During a Friday news conference, Wilson did not directly explain why Barnes was asked to resign but said she wants Seattle’s next police chief to:
- Be consistently present in Seattle.
- Limit travel to an appropriate level.
- Communicate clearly during emergencies.
The mayor’s office did not provide additional comment, according to The Seattle Times.
Reactions
Sheley Secrest, president of the Washington State NAACP, questioned the decision and suggested the communication issues following the Seattle Center shooting should not be attributed solely to Barnes.
She also said previous mayoral administrations had maintained more regular communication with Black community leaders before making major decisions affecting their communities.
Several Seattle City Council members and the Downtown Seattle Association also expressed support for Barnes, according to the report.
Broader Issues
Some advocates said the focus on Barnes’ resignation has diverted attention from broader issues surrounding gun violence.
Moni Tep of the Lavender Rights Project said leadership changes alone do not resolve underlying challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and community violence.
Community leaders also pointed to statistics showing that Black residents continue to be disproportionately affected by gun violence in King County.
According to county data cited in the report, Black residents represented approximately 48% of gun violence victims last year despite making up about 6% of the county’s population.
Barnes later issued an open letter reflecting on his time leading the department.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished, but I’m even more proud of how we accomplished it. We accomplished it together.”
His resignation marks another leadership transition for the Seattle Police Department as city officials begin the search for a permanent chief. The decision has also prompted broader discussions about public safety, community partnerships, police leadership, and communication between City Hall and organizations representing Seattle’s Black community.
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