Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned after Mayor Katie Wilson accepted his departure amid growing criticism over the department’s response to the deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival. Deputy Chief Andre Sayles, a veteran officer with more than two decades of law enforcement experience, has been appointed interim police chief while the city searches for a permanent replacement.

The leadership change followed intense public scrutiny after a shooting outside the Seattle Center Armory left three people dead and four others injured. Barnes was attending a conference in Dallas when the incident occurred, and Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis delivered the department’s initial public briefing. Reports that Barnes was out of town during the tragedy, along with questions about his availability, fueled criticism from residents and community leaders.

In separate statements, both Barnes and Mayor Wilson thanked Seattle police officers for their response to the shooting. Wilson expressed appreciation for Barnes’ service while emphasizing the city’s commitment to addressing youth gun violence and improving public safety. Barnes described it as an honor to lead the department and said he remained confident in its efforts to reduce violent crime.

Barnes had served as Seattle’s police chief for about a year after previously leading the Madison, Wisconsin, Police Department. His resignation comes as detectives continue investigating the festival shooting, in which authorities say a 15-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence while determining whether others were involved in the attack.