SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as Interim Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) following the resignation of Police Chief Shon Barnes.
Mayor Wilson accepted Barnes’ resignation and thanked him for his service to the city. Barnes, who was appointed by former Mayor Bruce Harrell in late 2024, said serving Seattle had been an honor and praised SPD officers for their professionalism, particularly in responding to recent public safety incidents.
Barnes expressed confidence in the department’s future and emphasized the importance of community-based policing and efforts to address youth gun violence.
Mayor Wilson said the city remains committed to improving public safety and building stronger trust between law enforcement and Seattle communities.
“Keeping people safe requires trust, and trust requires that this department shows up in neighborhoods every day and remains accountable to the people it serves,” Wilson said.
Sayles brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience to the role, including serving as Police Chief in Beloit, Wisconsin. He joined the Seattle Police Department in 2025 as Deputy Chief of Administration and Investigations.
Under his leadership, SPD’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit and homicide detectives have continued to investigate and solve major cases, including the arrest of a suspect connected to the fatal shooting of two teenagers near Rainier Beach High School.
Former SPD Interim Chief and retired Sheriff Sue Rahr praised the appointment, saying the city needs strong and engaged leadership to rebuild trust and move forward.
Mayor Wilson is expected to formally introduce Sayles during a press conference at Seattle City Hall and provide details about the search process for a permanent police chief.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson names Andre Sayles Interim Chief of the Seattle Police Department.https://t.co/63GiqDShfI
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) July 30, 2026