Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has appointed Deputy Chief Andre Sayles as interim police chief after Shon Barnes resigned following a fatal shooting at a food festival. The change in leadership matters because it comes amid renewed concerns about public safety and police accountability in the city.

Wilson announced the appointment at a Friday morning news conference, saying she did not take lightly decisions affecting residents’ safety and lives. Sayles will lead the Seattle Police Department on an interim basis while the city responds to the aftermath of the weekend shooting and considers longer-term leadership.