Gene Johnson

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson defended removing Police Chief Shon Barnes after a fatal shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival, calling it the right decision while citing multiple factors, including the events of the shooting and concerns about communication. Barnes’s dismissal drew criticism from Black community organizations, a business group and City Council members. Interim Chief Andre Sayles said police would increase staffing at festivals and expected further arrests in the gang-related shooting, which killed three people and injured four others, including a two-year-old child.

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes resigned amid intense criticism of the city’s response to a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival, where three people were killed and four wounded. Critics focused on delayed and confusing public communication, while Black community organizations defended Barnes’s record on police-community relations and gun-violence reduction. Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim chief as Seattle prepared for another major festival weekend.

Gunfire erupted during the final hours of Seattle’s Bite of Seattle food festival beneath the Space Needle, causing crowds, vendors and families to flee in panic. Witnesses described screams, people falling and baby strollers overturning as two suspected shooters exchanged fire. One suspect surrendered, while police searched for another. Three people were killed and four wounded, including a 2-year-old boy; the surviving victims were reported in stable condition. Police said there was no ongoing threat, but the circumstances remained under investigation.

Prosecutors charged Bucknell University strength coach Mark Kulbis with aggravated hazing, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and hazing after freshman football player Calvin Dickey Jr. collapsed during a conditioning session and died two days later. Investigators allege the workout was used as punishment, while Dickey’s sickle cell trait heightened his vulnerability to extreme exertion. The family, who recently learned of the condition through NCAA screening, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming coaches failed to adjust training accordingly. Kulbis denies responsibility. The case adds to a small number of criminal prosecutions tied to athlete deaths during training. Dickey’s family has since launched a foundation promoting sickle‑cell awareness and safer athletic practices.