Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes has been relieved of his duties by Mayor Katie Wilson, according to reports from Fox News and other local outlets. The change places the leadership of the Seattle Police Department under new direction, although the available reports do not provide details about the mayor’s stated reasons or the terms of Barnes’ departure.
The reports describe Barnes as an embattled chief and indicate that his tenure had come under scrutiny. One account said Barnes canceled an interview and acknowledged frequent travel outside the city, while other outlets cited sources in reporting that he was out or had been fired. The precise circumstances surrounding the decision, including whether a permanent replacement has been identified, were not specified in the information available.
Wilson, identified in the reports as a democratic socialist mayor, took the action as the city continues to debate police leadership and public safety policy. The reports do not indicate whether the decision followed a formal disciplinary process, an administrative disagreement, or broader concerns about the department’s direction.
A Black protest is planned in response to the leadership change, according to the headline. Details about the organizers, timing, location, and specific demands were not provided. Further developments are expected to clarify the mayor’s rationale and how the department will be managed during the transition.