We write as leaders, residents, and members of Seattle’s diverse African American and Black communities, alongside supporters of public safety and community accountability, to urge you not to fire Chief Shon Barnes and to support his continued leadership at the Seattle Police Department.
This is the wrong decision at the wrong time and would disrupt Seattle’s progress in public safety. The tragic fatal shooting at the Bite of Seattle was heartbreaking for our city, but Chief Barnes should not be made a scapegoat for the complex challenges of public safety. One incident should not erase a record of work, progress, and leadership.
Seattle is entering a period with major events and increased demands on public safety. This is the time to strengthen leadership, not create disruption. We need experienced leadership, coordination, and stability as our city prepares for what is ahead.
Seattle recently demonstrated its ability to manage major international events, including FIFA matches, without a major security incident. These events represented some of the largest gatherings our region has hosted and required extensive planning, coordination, and public safety preparation.
Chief Barnes’ record of accomplishment includes:
Reducing homicides and gun violence, with measurable improvements in public safety outcomes.
Building stronger relationships with communities, including residents, youth, clergy, and neighborhood leaders.
Strengthening SPD operations, accountability, and resources.
Leading during major events that required exceptional coordination and preparation.
Black leadership matters. Chief Barnes should be evaluated by facts, integrity, and outcomes not politics or headlines. We ask you to support Chief Barnes and keep Seattle moving forward.
To that end, our community will gather at 8am on Thursday, July 30, 2026 alongside leaders and organizations including:
• Seattle NAACP
• Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
• Byrd Barr Place
• 100 Black Parents
• Community Passageways
• Parents for Student Success
• MLK Coalition & local faith leaders
We stand with Chief Barnes. We urge you to retain him and reject the urge to scapegoat him amidst the crisis of the mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle.
