A mass shooting at the Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival left three people dead and five others wounded Sunday evening, according to police and city officials. Among the injured is a 2-year-old boy who was transported to a hospital in stable condition. Seattle Police said one suspect has been taken into custody, and investigators are actively searching for a second individual believed to have been involved in exchanging gunfire with the first.
Emergency crews responded to the scene shortly after 6 p.m. local time as thousands of attendees were enjoying the final day of the popular summer food festival near the Space Needle. The Seattle Fire Department reported that two victims were pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. A third victim later died, bringing the death toll to three, though officials did not immediately specify which victim was the latest to succumb. Four other victims were transported to area hospitals: one in serious condition and three in stable condition, including the toddler. A fifth injured person with minor wounds declined transport by first responders.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson described the violence as «an act of horrific violence» in a statement Sunday night. «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,» Wilson said. She added that the city's immediate priorities are «supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public.» Wilson also stressed that «no one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city.»
Police officials said the two suspects were apparently shooting at each other, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The Seattle Police Department urged the public to avoid the area and said additional details would be released as the investigation continues. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson stated on social media that he was receiving briefings and that State Patrol SWAT officers had responded to assist Seattle Police. «My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,» Ferguson wrote.
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, whose district includes Seattle, said she was «absolutely horrified» by the shooting. «My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and all those impacted by this senseless violence,» she said on social media. Jayapal expressed gratitude to officers, first responders, and medical professionals treating survivors, adding that «tonight, we grieve with our community in Seattle as well as those around the country affected by gun violence and mass shootings.» King County Executive Girmay Zahilay also said he was «horrified» and called the violence «heartbreaking and unacceptable,» noting that the Bite of Seattle has been «one of Seattle's signature summer traditions» for years.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as gunfire erupted. Kayla Carris, 22, told the Seattle Times she was sitting outside the Armory when people began screaming and running for cover. «Everyone was just throwing stuff and running,» she said. Todd Behrends, 59, said he heard several rounds of shots and saw people jumping over each other to escape. He recounted seeing a woman on the ground and a man on a stretcher as he fled toward an exit. Harborview Medical Center, where several victims were taken, implemented a modified lockdown for their safety following the mass casualty incident. The Seattle Center Monorail was also closed for the remainder of Sunday evening.
The shooting at a family-friendly event drew widespread condemnation and renewed attention to gun violence in public spaces. Local leaders urged calm while promising a thorough investigation. Police have not yet released the identities of the deceased or the suspects, and no motive has been established. The second suspect remains at large, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Seattle Police Department.