MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes was named because the chief of police in Seattle on Friday, 5 days after he was thrust into the nationwide highlight due to a taking pictures at a non secular faculty in Wisconsin that killed a trainer and scholar.
Barnes’ departure comes as Madison police are nonetheless within the early days of their investigation into what motivated 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow to open fireplace at Plentiful Life Christian College, killing trainer Erin West and 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara and critically wounding two different college students. Rupnow then killed herself, authorities stated.
In a press release saying the choice, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell stated Barnes has demonstrated “impressive leadership capabilities” throughout the faculty taking pictures investigation.
Barnes was recognized to be a finalist for the Seattle job earlier than the taking pictures. He has served because the chief of police in Wisconsin’s capital metropolis since 2021. He additionally was a finalist to grow to be chief of police in Chicago in 2023 and San Jose, California, in October.
Barnes didn’t point out the taking pictures within the assertion from Harrell’s workplace. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation and resilience,” Barnes stated.
The Seattle mayor’s workplace workplace stated Barnes was chosen over two different finalists, an assistant police chief in Montgomery County, Maryland, and a deputy chief in Los Angeles.
Barnes has taken heart stage responding to the varsity taking pictures with blended outcomes. His division initially reported that 5 folks had been killed.
Two wounded college students remained in vital situation Friday however have been secure, UW Hospital stated.
Barnes has executed many interviews with native and nationwide media shops this week, whereas defending not releasing extra particulars about the shooter’s motivation or whether or not her dad and mom could also be charged, citing the continued investigation.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on Friday congratulated Barnes on his new job and praised his dealing with of the taking pictures.
“I’m grateful that the Madison Police Department responded to this unthinkable crisis with the utmost professionalism and compassion,” Rhodes-Conway stated in her personal assertion.
Barnes is a former U.S. Marine who started his legislation enforcement profession in 2000 with the Greensboro Police Division in North Carolina. He left to grow to be deputy chief of police in Salisbury, North Carolina, from 2017 to 2020. He labored because the director of coaching {and professional} improvement with Chicago’s Civilian Workplace of Police Accountability beginning in August 2020 earlier than coming to Madison as chief in February 2021.