A popular food festival in Seattle was marred by tragedy on Sunday evening when a shooting incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left several others injured. The incident unfolded at the Seattle Centre, the venue for the annual Bite of Seattle festival, which had been drawing crowds throughout the weekend. Shots were fired at approximately 6:00 PM local time, prompting widespread panic and an immediate response from emergency services.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that one suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. However, Assistant Chief of Seattle Police Tyrone Davis stated that a second suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Police believe the two suspects were engaged in a shootout with each other. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third succumbed to their injuries after being transported to hospital.
Among the injured is a two-year-old boy, whose condition has not been fully disclosed. The Seattle Fire Department reported that four of the injured were taken to hospital in a stable condition, while a fifth individual declined hospital treatment. Videos circulating online showed festival-goers seeking refuge inside the city's iconic Space Needle, crouching for cover behind pillars and merchandise displays in the lobby during the chaotic moments.
Local and state officials have swiftly condemned the violence. Mayor Wilson described the event as an "act of horrific violence," expressing condolences to the affected families and the community grappling with the incident. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle, both issued statements on social media, describing the shooting as "senseless violence" and offering their prayers to the victims and responders.
The Seattle Police Department has launched an ongoing investigation into the shooting and has urged the public to avoid the area while enquiries continue. The incident has cast a shadow over what was intended to be a celebratory community event, highlighting the ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States.