Seattle’s police chief, Shon Barnes, has resigned, Mayor Katie Wilson announced on Thursday. The resignation comes amid criticism of the city's response to a fatal shootout at a food festival last weekend.
The announcement followed speculation regarding Barnes' position, with some supporters stating he had initially rebuffed the mayor's request to step down. Mayor Wilson has appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim chief, citing his more than two decades of law enforcement experience.
The shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival resulted in three deaths, including one suspect, and left four people wounded, one of whom was a two-year-old boy. Police are reportedly still searching for at least one other person involved in the incident.
The Seattle police department and Mayor Wilson have faced criticism for what was described as slow and confusing communication in the aftermath of the shooting.