Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson Launches Search for New Police Chief After Shawn Barnes Resignation

The Center Square YT

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August 1st, 2026

DESCRIPTION

Seattle officially begins the search for a new police chief after Shawn Barnes' resignation following the city's response to the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting. In this episode, Mayor Katie Wilson addresses the decision for the first time, Interim Police Chief Andre Sales outlines his priorities, and new questions emerge about Barnes' departure, possible severance package, and the city's response to Sunday's tragedy. We also examine what comes next for Seattle's police leadership as the city launches a nationwide search for its next chief. #Seattle #SeattlePolice #KatieWilson #PublicSafety #SeattleNews #WashingtonState #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus

The Center Square YT

The focus of The Center Square's work is state and local level government and economic reporting. A taxpayer sensibility distinguishes our work from other coverage of state and local issues. As a result of this approach, our audiences are better informed about the focus of state and local government and its cost to the citizens whose tax dollars fund governmental decisions.