Three people were killed and several others injured after gunfire erupted during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival near the city’s iconic Space Needle on Sunday evening, prompting panic among festivalgoers and a massive police response.
The shooting occurred at about 6:00 p.m. local time at Seattle Centre, where thousands had gathered for the final day of the popular food festival. Authorities said one suspect was arrested at the scene, while a second suspect fled and remains at large.
Seattle Police Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis said preliminary investigations indicate the two suspects were shooting at each other when the violence broke out. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been established.
The Seattle Fire Department confirmed that two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third later died at a nearby hospital. Several others sustained injuries, including a two-year-old boy. Four of the injured were transported to hospital in stable condition, while another person declined medical treatment.
The sound of gunfire sent crowds scrambling for safety as families, vendors and visitors sought cover. Videos circulating on social media showed people sheltering inside the Space Needle, crouching behind pillars and shop displays while police secured the area.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson condemned the attack, describing it as “an act of horrific violence” that shattered what was intended to be a weekend of celebration and community.
“Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection and joy ended in gunfire,” the mayor said in a statement.
Wilson also praised the swift response of law enforcement officers who apprehended one suspect shortly after the shooting. She later clarified that only one suspect had been taken into custody after initially stating that two arrests had been made.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson described the incident as an act of “senseless violence,” extending his condolences to the victims’ families and thanking first responders for their efforts.
“Our prayers are with the families of the victims and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” Ferguson said.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle, also expressed sympathy for those affected, saying officials at the local, state and federal levels were closely coordinating as the investigation continues.
In honour of the victims, the American flag atop the Space Needle was lowered to half-staff.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid the area while investigators process the crime scene and continue the search for the second suspect. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain ongoing.