Three people were killed and four others, including a 2 year old boy, were injured after gunfire erupted at Seattle’s annual Bite of Seattle festival on Sunday evening, prompting a massive police response and an overnight search for a second suspect.
Authorities said one suspect was taken into custody at the scene while another fled after what investigators believe was an exchange of gunfire between the two men. Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis said investigators believe the suspects were shooting at each other but were still working to determine what led to the violence.
“We’re still trying to figure this out,” Davis said.
The shooting unfolded shortly before the annual food festival was due to end at Seattle Center, the entertainment complex that includes the Space Needle. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors over three days.
Two victims died at the scene. A third later died after being taken to hospital.
Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Grace Nuñez said four other victims remained hospitalized in stable condition. They included a toddler and three adults.
Police have not said whether any of the victims were connected to the suspects.
Davis said officers assigned to provide security at the festival witnessed one suspect firing a weapon. That suspect surrendered after officers confronted him.
The second suspect escaped before police could make an arrest.
Authorities recovered two firearms at the scene and launched an extensive search across the Seattle Center grounds, but the second suspect remained at large.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson described the shooting as a devastating act of violence.
“My heart right now is with the victims and their families and with everyone in our community who is reeling from what happened here today,” Wilson said.
She also thanked police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, event organizers and bystanders who helped evacuate festivalgoers and assist the wounded.
The Seattle office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said federal agents were assisting local investigators.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as hundreds of people fled the crowded festival grounds.
Faith Adia Hunter said she had just purchased food with friends when the shooting began.
“We were right next to him when it started so we took off running,” she said. “We ran into the Seattle Children’s Museum with everyone else.”
Estan Wakonabo said he was waiting with his girlfriend for a photo booth when people suddenly rushed past them.
“People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling,” he said.
“Once I heard a pop, pop, pop, that’s when I knew it was a shooter.”
After helping his girlfriend reach safety, Wakonabo returned and saw several victims lying on the ground.
Vendor Roberto Ramirez initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks before hearing people scream that there was an active shooter.
“Suddenly everything was empty,” he said. “People were freaked out.”
Paul Skinner, who was operating a food truck booth, said staff immediately sought cover.
“We all got down and took cover,” he said.
Isaiah Flores Sanches said the atmosphere changed instantly.
“It went from something being so playful and so joyful to being something so horrific,” he said.
Seattle Center was quickly evacuated as dozens of police officers and emergency crews secured the sprawling campus.
Authorities said one woman with minor injuries declined transportation to a hospital.
Hospital officials said the surviving victims suffered gunshot wounds to the arm, leg, abdomen and lower leg. All were reported to be in stable condition after treatment.
Representative Pramila Jayapal said federal resources would be made available to support the investigation.
What we know so far
- Three people were killed.
- Four others were hospitalized, including a 2 year old child.
- One suspect was arrested at the scene.
- Police are searching for a second suspect.
- Investigators believe the suspects exchanged gunfire.
- Two firearms were recovered.
- Police said there is no continuing threat to the public.
What authorities are saying
Seattle police said detectives are examining evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to determine what triggered the shooting.
Officials urged anyone with photographs, videos or information from the festival to contact investigators.
Mayor Wilson pledged full support for victims and their families while promising a thorough investigation.
Why this matters
The Bite of Seattle is one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest annual public festivals, drawing more than 350,000 visitors over three days. Sunday’s violence has renewed concerns about public safety at major outdoor gatherings despite a significant police presence.
The shooting also underscores the continuing challenge facing law enforcement agencies in preventing gun violence at large public events, where thousands of people can become vulnerable within seconds.
What happens next
Detectives continue searching for the second suspect while forensic teams analyze the recovered firearms and other evidence collected at the scene.
Investigators are expected to determine whether the victims were intentionally targeted or struck during the exchange of gunfire. Prosecutors will review potential charges against the suspect already in custody once the investigation advances.
Story sources: The Associated Press (AP), NBC News.
