Add The New York Post on Google The Seattle Police chief has reportedly been fired after coming under heavy criticism for being out of town when three people were killed in a mass shooting at a food festival held in the city.
Shon Barnes, 51, was dismissed Wednesday by the city’s socialist mayor, Katie Wilson, after the top cop refused to resign, MyNorthwest reported.
Barnes, who has only officially held his role for one year, attended a silent vigil for the shooting’s victims but left abruptly to meet with the mayor, sources told the outlet.
He also abruptly canceled an interview with the Seattle outlet KOMO despite agreeing to it earlier in the day, raising questions.
Barnes also messaged people about his potential firing, sources told Fox13.
Seattle police have not confirmed the chief’s dismissal.“We have nothing we can confirm at this point,” public information officer Patrick Michaud told the radio outlet KIRO.“Please reach out to the mayor’s office to confirm for further information.”
Barnes, who previously served as chief of police in Madison, Wisconsin, had come under heavy criticism since it emerged he wasn’t in town when the shooting unfolded at the Bite of Seattle event.
The cop was in Dallas for a National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference.
Barnes, who was described as a “nationally recognized leader in crime reduction” in his police biography, had been out of town several times in recent months, KUOW reported.
He was in Chicago between Feb. 4-10, March 13-16, June 20-21, and July 9-13. Barnes’ wife and kids live in The Windy City.
Barnes’ absence meant Tyrone Davis, Seattle’s assistant police chief, spoke to the media. But the police response has been questioned.
The first press conference wasn’t until five hours after the shooting, when police revealed one suspect was at large.
Initially, cops also suspected there were two suspects – one in custody and the other at large.
That number has since been revised to three.
Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, was suspected of being one of the primary gunmen. He was found dead at the scene with gunshot wounds.
A 15-year-old was charged with first-degree assault Wednesday, and police believe a third still remains at large.
Details about a potential motive were also slow to emerge.
Nicole Powell, an assistant police chief, revealed at 4 p.m. Monday that preliminary information suggested the shooting may have been gang-related.
Barnes, who succeeded interim chief Sue Rahr last January, was quizzed by local reporter Connor Nash on his whereabouts Monday – and their interaction turned heated.
“Let me tell you something,” Barnes snarked. “I don’t have to tell you where I go. I had a medical procedure on Friday.
“I have been working as hard as I can for this city, from the day I got here. You got that?'” he seethed.
“But there are reports that you’re not in town often,” the journalist replied before the cop hit back, “The reports are wrong, do you understand?”
Barnes tried to downplay the clash the following day, saying he wouldn’t call it “heated.”
“I respect our media. I respect what you do. I consider you a big part of the community,” he said.
