In an unexpected turn of events, the Madison Police Chief, Shon Barnes, has been appointed as the Chief of Police in Seattle, just days after a tragic school shooting in Wisconsin brought him into the national spotlight. The incident at Abundant Life Christian School, which resulted in the deaths of a teacher and a student, has cast a shadow over his departure, with investigations still underway.
The appointment of Shon Barnes to Seattle’s top policing position came as a surprise to many, especially as he was involved in a high-profile investigation back in Madison. Barnes, who began his tenure as Madison’s police chief in 2021, was known to be one of the finalists for the Seattle role even before the shooting occurred. The tragic event took place five days prior to the announcement by Seattle’s mayor, Bruce Harrell, who praised Barnes for his leadership capabilities during such trying times.
The shooting unfolded at the Abundant Life Christian School when 15-year-old Natalie ‘Samantha’ Rupnow tragically opened fire, resulting in the deaths of teacher Erin West and 14-year-old student Rubi Patricia Vergara. The distressing event also left two other students critically wounded. Rupnow then took her own life, leaving authorities puzzled about the motives behind her actions.
Despite the intense scrutiny and the early stages of the investigation, Barnes chose not to comment on the incident in his statement about his new role. Instead, he expressed excitement about joining the Seattle community, lauding its diversity and resilience. In contrast, some of Madison’s community members might view his departure amidst the crisis as unexpected.
This isn’t the first time Barnes has been considered for a position outside Madison. In 2023, he was a finalist for the police chief position in Chicago and again in San Jose in October. However, the challenges in Madison, a city with a population of roughly 280,000, seemed to have kept him rooted, until now. Notably, Barnes has had family ties that remained in Illinois during his tenure in Madison, suggesting his interest in positions closer to his family.
Barnes’s track record in law enforcement is extensive. With a career that began in 2000, he served in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has taken on roles such as deputy chief of police in Salisbury and director of training and professional development in Chicago. His tenure in Madison was marked by significant media interaction, especially in the wake of the school shooting.
The handling of the Abundant Life shooting investigation has seen both praise and criticism directed towards Barnes. Initially, his department reported more fatalities than were accurate, and discrepancies regarding the source of the first 911 call were noted. Yet, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway commended his leadership during this unprecedented situation, emphasizing the department’s professional response to the crisis.
Shon Barnes’s new role in Seattle brings an end to his chapter in Madison, marked by both progress and challenges. As the investigation into the Abundant Life Christian School shooting continues, the focus remains on finding closure for the affected families and ensuring such tragedies are prevented in the future. Meanwhile, Barnes’s leadership in Seattle is anticipated with high expectations for positive change and effective policing.
Source: Apnews
