Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson accepted embattled Police Chief Shon Barnes' resignation Thursday after mounting criticism over his handling of the deadly Bite of Seattle mass shooting and his absence from the city. Barnes was asked to resign during a meeting with Wilson after he abruptly left a silent vigil for the victims of Sunday's shooting, which left seven people struck, three dead, and four hospitalized.

Wilson appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles, a veteran with over two decades of experience, as interim chief. The confrontation followed criticism of Barnes' absence when gunfire erupted outside the Seattle Center Armory during the festival; Barnes was in Dallas attending a conference. Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis led the department's first briefing hours later, drawing criticism for the delay.

Barnes, who had served just one year after leading police in Madison, Wisconsin, faced scrutiny over reported weekend absences due to his family residing in Chicago. He defended his commitment in a tense exchange with a reporter. Notably, Black community leaders including the Seattle NAACP, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and MLK Coalition plan an 11 a.m. ET protest at Seattle City Hall.

A 15-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting, while police continue seeking other suspects. Barnes' departure marks another leadership transition as detectives investigate one of the city's deadliest recent acts of gun violence.