Seattle mayor launches police chief search, City Hall tells JNS too soon to say if it'll consult Jewish leaders
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson launched a national search on Tuesday for the city’s next police chief, after she asked Shon Barnes to resign as chief of police after a July 26 shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival in Seattle Center.The search, which Wilson said will engage with community organizations, an advisory committee and neighborhood forums, comes as hate crimes targeting Jews have risen sharply during Wilson’s administration.Of the 66 hate crimes recorded during the first seven months of 2026, nearly 20% targeted Jews, who make up an estimated 1% of the Seattle area, according to Seattle Police Department data.JNS asked the mayor’s office if it will include Jewish community stakeholders.Jonah Spangenthal-Lee, spokesman for the mayor, told JNS that “additional search committee members are still being assembled, so this is still a developing process.”A public forum has been scheduled for Sept. 26, a Saturday, at Van Asselt Community Center in…
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has initiated a national search for a new police chief following the resignation of Shon Barnes after a July 26 shooting. The mayor emphasized that the new chief "must be visible, accountable and present in our neighborhoods." This search comes amid a significant rise in hate crimes targeting Jews in Seattle, who constitute approximately 1% of the population but were victims in nearly 20% of hate crimes recorded in the first seven months of 2026.
- The mayor's office stated that "additional search committee members are still being assembled," and it is too early to confirm if Jewish community leaders will be consulted.
- A public forum for the search is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, which presents a conflict for Orthodox Jews due to Shabbat observance.
- The mayor's office indicated that more dates would be shared as the process continues.
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