WATCH: Seattle council members seek answers on police chief status

(The Center Square) – Seattle City Council President Joy Hollinsworth said the mayor has asked Police Chief Shon Barnes to resign, but the chief declined to step down and remains in office as of Thursday.

Hollinsworth called Mayor Katie Wilson’s action “reckless” given that Seattle is only four days away from the shooting that left three people dead and five injured on Sunday at a food festival in the Seattle Center.

Hollingsworth, in an interview at Seattle City Hall, said that Wilson, as the city’s chief executive, has the power to fire Barnes, but questioned whether her timing was appropriate.

Hollingsworth said Wilson called her Wednesday night to inform her that she asked Barnes to resign but gave no reason.

The City Council President said she talked to Barnes Monday, but wouldn’t discuss the contents of her conversation, other than to say that Barnes refused to give up his job.

Wilson has not commented on the situation.

Asked if Barnes was still on the job, Police De...