Shooting at Seattle Food Festival

A shooting incident at a food festival in Seattle on Sunday evening resulted in three fatalities and four injuries. Authorities suspect it involved two shooters.

Seattle Police Deputy Chief Tyrone Davis reported during a late-night briefing that one suspect has been apprehended, while another remains at large.

A bystander described the chaotic scene: “I heard bang, bang, bang. Then there was yelling and screaming.” Davis noted that a police officer nearby confronted one of the assailants, which likely prevented additional shootings and led to the recovery of two firearms.

Tragically, two of the seven gunshot victims were declared dead at the scene, while a 56-year-old woman later succumbed to her injuries at Harborview Medical Center. A 2-year-old boy, along with a 39-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man, were hospitalized in stable condition. Additionally, a 40-year-old woman sustained minor injuries but initially declined to go to the hospital before eventually seeking treatment at the University of Washington Medical Center.

The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. near Seattle Center, a well-known tourist destination featuring the Space Needle and various sports arenas. At that time, the area was bustling with visitors attending the annual Bite of Seattle food festival.

Witnesses reported confused reactions, with one person stating that the sounds resembled firecrackers, triggering a panic as many fled for safety or sought cover. Adia Sengupta, who witnessed the events, evacuated to the Seattle Armory and noted a sudden influx of over 60 people scrambling for refuge inside.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has dispatched several agents to assist, while the investigation remains under the Seattle Police Department’s jurisdiction. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson mentioned that the state SWAT team had also been called in at the request of local police.