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MADISON, Wis. — On Friday, Shon Barnes was announced as the new chief of police for Seattle, just five days after he gained national attention due to a tragic shooting at a Wisconsin religious school that resulted in the deaths of a teacher and a student.
Barnes’ transition comes as the Madison Police Department delves into the investigation of the motives behind the actions of 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow. Rupnow opened fire at the Abundant Life Christian School, leading to the death of teacher Erin West and 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara, while also critically injuring two other students. Following the incident, Rupnow took her own life, according to authorities.
In a statement announcing his appointment, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell praised Barnes for showcasing “impressive leadership capabilities” during the investigation into the school shooting. Originally, Barnes was already among the finalists for the Seattle position prior to the incident. He has been leading the police force in Madison since 2021 and was also considered for police chief roles in Chicago in 2023 and in San Jose, California, last October.
Barnes’ statement regarding his move to Seattle did not touch upon the recent school shooting. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation, and resilience,” he expressed.
The Seattle mayor’s office indicated that Barnes was selected from a pool of finalists that included an assistant police chief from Montgomery County, Maryland, and a deputy chief from Los Angeles.
In May, Mayor Harrell had reassigned former police chief Adrian Diaz over claims of discrimination against women and minorities. Following an investigation, Diaz was dismissed for engaging in a personal relationship with a former television news anchor before hiring her as his chief of staff.
Speculation surrounded Barnes possibly seeking new opportunities beyond Madison, which serves a population of around 280,000. Seven months into his role, he had reassured local media that despite the rumors, he intended to stay “for the long haul.” While Barnes lived in Madison, his wife and three children remained in Illinois, where he had worked previously.
In light of the school shooting, Barnes had been in the public eye, addressing the incident though responses were met with mixed reviews. The initial report from his department mistakenly stated that five individuals had been killed during the shooting incident.
As for the two injured students, they remained in critical but stable condition as of Friday, according to UW Hospital. At a news conference, Barnes noted that the first call to 911 had originated from a second-grade student; however, he later corrected that statement, revealing it was actually made by a second-grade teacher.
Throughout the week, Barnes has engaged in various interviews with media outlets, defending the decision not to share additional details about the shooter’s motives or whether any charges would be filed against her parents, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway conveyed her congratulations to Barnes on his new appointment and commended how he managed the shooting incident. “I’m grateful that the Madison Police Department responded to this unthinkable crisis with the utmost professionalism and compassion,” she stated.
Barnes, a former U.S. Marine, began his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Greensboro Police Department in North Carolina. He later served as deputy chief in Salisbury, North Carolina, from 2017 to 2020. Before taking the role in Madison, he was involved in training and professional development with Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability starting in August 2020, before being appointed as chief in February 2021.
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