Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes was named as the chief of police in Seattle on Friday, five days after he was thrust into the national spotlight because of a shooting at a religious school in Wisconsin that killed a teacher and student.

Barnes’ departure comes as Madison police are still in the early days of their investigation into what motivated 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow to open fire at Abundant Life Christian School, killing teacher Erin West and 14-year-old freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara and critically wounding two other students. Rupnow then killed herself, authorities said.

In a statement announcing the decision, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said Barnes has demonstrated “impressive leadership capabilities” during the school shooting investigation.

Barnes was known to be a finalist for the Seattle job before the shooting. He has served as the chief of police in Wisconsin’s capital city since 2021. He also was a finalist to become chief of police in Chicago in 2023 and San Jose, California, in October.

Barnes did not mention the shooting in the statement from Harrell’s office. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to integrate into Seattle’s vibrant community, known for its diversity, innovation and resilience,” Barnes said.

The Seattle mayor’s office office said Barnes was chosen over two other finalists, an assistant police chief in Montgomery County, Maryland, and a deputy chief in Los Angeles.

Harrell, Seattle’s mayor, reassigned former police Chief Adrian Diaz in May over allegations that Diaz discriminated against women and people of color. Diaz was fired this week after an investigation found he had an intimate relationship with a former television news anchor before he hired her as his chief of staff.

Barnes had long been rumored to be looking to leave the job in Madison, which has a population of about 280,000. Seven months into the position, he told the news outlet Isthmus that despite the rumors he was in the job “for the long haul.” Barnes’ three children and wife continued to live in Illinois, where he previously worked, while he rented an apartment in Madison, Isthmus reported.

Barnes has taken center stage responding to the school shooting with mixed results. His department initially reported that five people had been killed.

Two wounded students remained in critical condition Friday but were stable, UW Hospital said.

Barnes also said at a news conference that the first 911 call came from a second-grade student. A day later, Barnes said it had in fact come from a second-grade teacher.

Barnes has done many interviews with local and national media outlets this week, while defending not releasing more details about the shooter’s motivation or whether her parents may be charged, citing the ongoing investigation.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on Friday congratulated Barnes on his new job and praised his handling of the shooting.

“I’m grateful that the Madison Police Department responded to this unthinkable crisis with the utmost professionalism and compassion,” Rhodes-Conway said in her own statement.

Barnes is a former U.S. Marine who began his law enforcement career in 2000 with the Greensboro Police Department in North Carolina. He left to become deputy chief of police in Salisbury, North Carolina, from 2017 to 2020. He worked as the director of training and professional development with Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability starting in August 2020 before coming to Madison as chief in February 2021.

DETROIT – Members of local Community Violence Intervention (CVI) groups across the city of Detroit are working to make sure some of the families in the areas they serve are not ignored this holiday season.

Organizations, including Detroit Friends and Family, Force Detroit, and 55th Foundation, are hosting Christmas Toy Giveaway events.

CVI groups are committed to helping reduce gun violence and other crimes while addressing community challenges in specific target zones, or hot spots, across the city.

“We’re letting the people know how to put down guns and, more than likely, pick up a hammer,” explained Michael Rogers of 55th Foundation. “We help them do some work.”

Members of local CVI groups said they are seeing positive results by forming relationships with neighbors and businesses.

They are helping residents access critical resources and providing support in areas where some residents believe neighbors have been ignored or neglected.

The work of local CVI groups has resulted in up to an 83% reduction in gun violence in some areas, according to city of Detroit leaders.

“The work is proactive,” said Darrell Ewing of Detroit Friends and Family. “We do the work that the police can’t do. We stop the crime before it happens, and we mediate with the youngsters, and we push them into purpose, where they don’t have to worry about feuding and warring.”

This holiday season, 55th Foundation is hosting a Christmas Toy Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Carmen’s, 14650 Gratiot Avenue.

Detroit Friends and Family is partnering with rapper Icewear Vezzo and Detroit Lions player Za’Darius Smith

for its Christmas Toy Giveaway scheduled for Monday, Dec. 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Impact Church located at 12844 Elmdale Street.

The group said Smith was also helping them give away a car to a family in need during their event.

“To actually get into the free raffle you have to send a video in to @MrBeatTheOdds on Instagram,” Ewing said. “Let the people know this is why I’m in dire need of this car and why.”

The CVI groups said the holiday events are their way of giving back this holiday season and looking out for the communities they serve.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — I came to the Hunger Task Force, where a unique nutrition program is transforming lives by teaching parents, students, and the public how to eat healthily on a budget. I spoke with a staff member and a student to learn how the program is enriching the community.

The room buzzed with energy as children and staff worked together to prepare nutritious meals. Among them was Akari Salaam, a fourth-grader whose excitement about the program was contagious.

“It was so much fun!” Akari exclaimed with a bright smile.

While she may not be a professional chef just yet, Akari’s enthusiasm for cooking and her love for vegetables shine through.

“I like tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, carrots… almost everything!” she shared.

Akari and her classmates from Horace Mann Elementary visited the Hunger Task Force to participate in its Nutrition Education Program, which blends hands-on learning with practical life skills. On this particular day, the students made pizzas from scratch.

Watch: How kids are learning to cook healthy on a budget in Milwaukee

How kids are learning to cook healthy on a budget in Milwaukee

“The kids are making pizzas today,” said Ms. Pochmara, a teacher at Horace Mann Elementary. “They actually got to cut up all the ingredients themselves and assemble the pizzas.”

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Akari proudly showed off her creation. “I made a heart with pepperoni,” she said, beaming.

This interactive program empowers students to master healthy eating habits while staying budget-conscious.

“Through our Garden to Plate Program, this is funded so our kids get this great experience,” said Carmen Baldwin, the Community Nutrition Manager.

“They’re able to come in, cook, and receive free materials and education.”

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For educators like Ms. Pochmara, the benefits of this program go far beyond the classroom. “It’s such a meaningful way to engage the kids. It’s real life. They’re learning things they can use outside of school,” she said.

The program focuses on teaching fundamental skills like cutting, baking, and spreading, which Baldwin believes will serve students well into the future.

“Stuff can be surprising, but things can be delicious and nutritious,” Akari added, her eyes lighting with confidence.

Beyond the hands-on experience, the program addresses critical community needs.

“Throughout Wisconsin, there are a lot of food deserts, and sometimes healthy choices are limited,” Baldwin explained. “When you give people the resources to say, ‘Hey, we can go here and also get healthy food,’ they can make better choices for themselves.”

Ms. Pochmara emphasized how opportunities like these inspire students. “We have the things we have to do in our classroom, required by the state, but when they have the opportunity to get out and learn, it just sparks them,” she said.

As the day wrapped up, Akari’s joy was evident. “So much fun. I hope we do this again,” she said with a hopeful smile.

This hands-on program is not just about cooking; it’s about equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge to make healthy, budget-friendly choices, building a stronger and healthier community in the process. For more information, visit the Hunger Task Force website at www.hungertaskforce.org.

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