Chief Barnes Confronted Over Shooting Response | Seattle News

Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 27, 2026 · 1m

Seattle’s police chief sparked outrage after a tense standoff with a reporter questioning his absence during a deadly mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival — where three died and a child was critically injured. Facing mounting criticism for a five-hour delay in official updates and his conspicuous absence from the first presser, Barnes later claimed he was undergoing a medical procedure and dismissed rumors he wasn’t often in town. His explosive response — telling the reporter he didn’t owe them his personal schedule — ended with staff rushing to calm the scene. As authorities…