Seattle police release messages from July's Bite of Seattle shooting

Paige Cornwell, The Seattle Times on Sep 16, 2026

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SEATTLE — The Seattle Police Department has released internal messages sent by police leaders and personnel related to the fatal Bite of Seattle shooting on July 26.

The messages posted Wednesday afternoon on the SPD Blotter include communications from Andre Sayles, who was deputy police chief at the time, and other police employees, including assistant chiefs, captains and spokespeople. Then-Chief Shon Barnes’ messages are still being prepared for release, according to the department.

Hundreds of Microsoft Teams and text messages were released this month from Mayor Katie Wilson’s office. Like the mayor’s office, the Police Department said it is releasing messages “in its ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability.”

Wilson’s administration and the Police Department have faced scrutiny over the handling of the shooting, which led Barnes to resign in lieu of termination.

Soon after the shooting, Wilson acknowledged a lack of communication, saying information “could and should” have gone out faster through social media and the city’s official emergency alert system.”