A content creator from Washington expressed surprise at the security measures—or lack thereof—at the Bite of Seattle food festival. This came just a day after a mass shooting resulted in three fatalities at the event.
The TikTok user, known as Leebo, posted a video stating that there were no inspections or checks at the entrance on Saturday.
“There aren’t any security personnel around,” Leebo remarked while making her way to her stall.
“It’s hard to believe you can freely enter a bustling festival with so many people and no security,” she added.
In a subsequent video, following the shooting on Sunday, Leebo criticized the festival’s organizers for the absence of metal detectors and security teams with dogs.
The festival, which has been taking place in Seattle since 1982, attracts around 350,000 visitors over three days, and has been held at the Seattle Center since 1986. It has even been recognized as one of America’s top food festivals on two occasions.
The shooting occurred shortly before the festival was set to conclude around 6 p.m. on Sunday, resulting in three deaths and four injuries. Tragically, two individuals died at the scene, while another lost their life after being transported to the hospital.
Among the injured was a 2-year-old boy, along with a 23-year-old man and two adult women, one of whom later passed away. The victims suffered from gunshot wounds in various areas including their arms and legs.
“I just heard repetitive bangs,” recounted one festival worker. “Then I looked around and saw families rushing to flee the scene.”
Witnesses described helping children over a fence to ensure their safety.
Another person reported hearing some “popping sounds” initially not linked to danger, until the chaos of families rushing away made it clear something was wrong.
A video shared on social media showed a large group seeking refuge inside a nearby Space Needle gift shop.
Estan Wakonabo, a 25-year-old attendee, noted the frenzy as people trampled over each other to escape. “It was just complete chaos,” he shared.
Roberto Ramirez, a vendor at the festival, recalled hearing what sounded like firecrackers before realizing it was gunfire as people panicked and ran.
A live YouTube broadcast by a vendor captured the shocking moment when the shots were fired, with chaos ensuing shortly after.
One suspect has been apprehended, while another individual remains at large. The Seattle Police Department’s Deputy Chief indicated that the suspect was a juvenile but provided no additional details about his age.
Authorities are currently urging witnesses to come forward, as few have so far.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the year has already seen 271 mass shootings across the United States, defined as incidents involving at least four people, excluding the shooter, being shot or killed.
