Seattle council leader demands mayor explain police chief's exit

Bob Kettle, who leads the Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee, has again asked Mayor Katie Wilson to provide a written statement on the reasons behind former Police Chief Shon Barnes' exit, referencing Article VI, section 2 of the city charter. He noted that the council has not received any response despite a deadline of Aug. 28. The mayor’s office countered that Barnes resigned, meaning the charter provision on dismissals is irrelevant, and highlighted a $700,000 settlement that includes a confidentiality agreement.

Wilson emphasized that she is working with an advisory group to select a permanent chief and that Interim Chief Andre Sayles is maintaining department operations. The dispute follows Barnes' resignation after the July 26 Bite of Seattle shooting and a contentious press conference where he was accused of frequent absences. Kettle maintains the resignation was forced and urges transparency over the settlement’s implications for the police force and public safety.