Mayor Demands Chief’s Exit After Shooting | Seattle News

Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 31, 2026 · 1m

Seattle’s mayor shocks the city by demanding Police Chief Shon Barnes step down after a deadly festival shooting — though she insists it’s not the only reason. Deputy Chief Andre Sayles will lead interim operations as the city scrambles for a new chief. Barnes, who was out of town at a conference, faces mounting backlash from Black clergy and activists who argue his community-focused leadership — including solving major homicides and building trust in underserved neighborhoods — made him indispensable. Critics accuse the mayor of ignoring their pleas and acting without transparency…