A tragic shooting at Seattle’s popular Bite of Seattle food festival left three people dead and four others injured, including a toddler, on Sunday evening. Authorities arrested one suspect while continuing to search for another person believed to have been involved.
The shooting occurred at the Seattle Center during one of the city’s largest annual food festivals, sending hundreds of visitors fleeing for safety.
Gunfire Erupts During Festival
According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded quickly after gunfire broke out at the Seattle Center.
Investigators believe two individuals exchanged gunfire, turning the crowded festival into a scene of panic.
Police confirmed that one suspect was taken into custody while officers continued searching for a second person believed to have participated in the shooting.
Death Toll Rises to Three
Authorities initially reported two deaths. However, one of the injured victims later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to three.
Four additional victims were injured. Officials said their conditions were considered stable.
A toddler was among those wounded, underscoring the devastating impact of the shooting on families attending the community event.
Mayor Condemns Gun Violence
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson described the shooting as a heartbreaking tragedy and renewed calls for stronger action against gun violence.
She noted that Seattle had experienced several major shooting incidents within a short period, calling the latest attack another painful reminder of the city’s public safety challenges.
The mayor expressed sympathy for the victims and praised emergency responders for their rapid response.
Police Recover Two Firearms
Police recovered two firearms from the scene and continued questioning the suspect in custody.
Authorities had not immediately released the suspect’s identity or disclosed a possible motive.
Investigators are working to establish what led to the exchange of gunfire and determine whether the people involved knew one another.
No Ongoing Threat to Public
Despite the continuing investigation, Seattle police said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
Detectives from the homicide unit and gun violence reduction team remained at the scene to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
Authorities urged anyone who recorded video or witnessed the shooting to provide information to investigators.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting.
