Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has selected Deputy Chief Andre Sayles to serve as the city's interim police chief, filling the vacancy created by Chief Shon Barnes's resignation following a deadly shooting at a weekend food festival. Wilson announced the appointment during a Friday morning news conference, saying Sayles was chosen because of his previous experience as a police chief and his ability to step into the role immediately.
«I do not take lightly what it means to make decisions that affect people's safety and their lives», Wilson said. «I chose Andre Sayles because he has done this job before and can hit the ground running. He served as chief of police in Wisconsin, where he led with a community-focused approach that strengthened both public safety and community trust.» Wilson added that Sayles had earned the respect of the police force during his time in Seattle, calling that exactly what the city needs now.
Sayles becomes interim chief days after Barnes resigned Thursday. In a statement released through his attorney, Barnes said Wilson had requested his resignation Wednesday and that he believed stepping down was the best path forward for a city still reeling from the shock and pain caused by the shooting at Seattle Center.
The leadership change came after two people were killed and four others were wounded in gunfire at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday. Barnes had come under criticism after the shooting. He had described the attack as targeted and gang-related, while saying the victims were not connected to the suspects. Authorities have made one arrest, and one person believed to have been involved in the shooting has died.
Sayles said Friday that the investigation remains a top priority and that the department is continuing to look for any additional suspects. «The men and women of the department continue working tirelessly to identify and arrest anyone responsible», he said. He also acknowledged that the department has heard from residents with safety concerns about public gatherings and events.
To address those concerns, Sayles said the police department will increase staffing at all remaining major summer events. He acknowledged that the week has been difficult but said he knows what the department and the city are capable of when they work together. «When we come together with a common goal of keeping our community safe», he said, adding that he is committed to uniting the department around service, pride and dedication.
Wilson earlier thanked Barnes for his service and praised the courage and professionalism of Seattle police officers. She said she shares the former chief's hope that the city can return its focus to addressing youth gun violence and ensuring that every family can feel safe in their neighborhood and across the city.
The mayor said she has begun searching for a permanent police chief. The search committee will be designed to represent different communities in Seattle, and Wilson said residents deserve a voice in the selection. She described the next chief as someone who can drive operational excellence, lead organizational change, earn the respect of officers and communicate clearly in stressful situations. Wilson added that the new leader must be effective from top to bottom and build relationships with the officers working in neighborhoods across the city.
