Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned on July 31, 2026, following criticism of the department's response to a shooting at a Seattle food festival. The city's mayor confirmed the departure, marking a significant leadership change for the department.

The shooting, which occurred at the food festival, drew scrutiny of how Seattle police managed the incident, including questions about response times, crowd management, and communication in the aftermath. The criticism mounted in the days following the event, ultimately leading to Barnes's exit.

Barnes had served as Seattle's police chief since 2021, a tenure that coincided with ongoing debates in the city over public safety, police reform, and department staffing. His resignation adds to a period of instability in Seattle's police leadership that has persisted for several years.

City officials have not yet announced an interim or permanent replacement. The resignation raises questions about the department's direction as Seattle continues to navigate elevated concerns about public safety at large gatherings and community events.