Seattle Police Chief Steve Barnes Resigns After Festival Shooting Criticism

Seattle Police Chief Steve Barnes resigned on July 30, 2026, after criticism of the city’s response to a fatal shootout during the Bite of Seattle festival weekend.

The criticism included the delayed release of key information after the shooting. Barnes’ resignation changes leadership at the Seattle Police Department while city officials face scrutiny over public communication, emergency response and the handling of a fatal incident at a major public gathering.

The central criticism reported so far concerns the city’s response and the timing of information released after the shooting. That makes the leadership change an issue not only for the Police Department, but also for how Seattle communicates with residents after violence at a high-profile city event.

At least six Seattle City Council members issued statements supporting Barnes, according to the Associated Press. Their statements came as the department and city faced questions about the response and the delayed release of key information.