Madison police chief Shon Barnes appointed as Seattle's new police chief

Shon Barnes, the police chief of Madison, Wisconsin, has been appointed as Seattle's new police chief. He is recognized for his leadership during the investigation of a recent school shooting in Madison, where a 15-year-old student killed two people before taking her own life. Barnes has served as Madison's police chief since 2021 and is noted for reducing crime rates and improving community relations. His appointment follows a national search that began in mid-2024, with 57 applications received. Barnes will officially start in January. He expressed excitement about joining Seattle and emphasized the importance of community involvement in public safety.