Three people were killed and several others were wounded after shots were fired near the Space Needle during the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening. One suspect was arrested while a second remains at large; police say the shooters may have been firing at one another. Videos show attendees sheltering inside the Space Needle; officials at city and state levels have condemned the attack and urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue.
Three Killed, Several Injured in Shooting at Bite of Seattle Near Space Needle; One Suspect Arrested
One attendee told local media that scene was "pure chaos" following the gunfire [Reuters]
Three people were killed and several others wounded after gunfire erupted near the Space Needle during the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening, Seattle Fire Department officials said.
What Happened
The shooting occurred at about 6:00 p.m. local time at Seattle Center, which had been hosting the annual Bite of Seattle across the weekend. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene and a third died later at a hospital. Among the injured was a two-year-old boy.
Suspects And Response
Mayor Katie Wilson said one suspect was taken into custody after the incident. Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis of the Seattle Police Department said a second suspect fled the scene and remains at large; officials believe the individuals were firing at one another. The Seattle Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to avoid the area while officers work.
Scene And Aftermath
Videos and eyewitness accounts show festival-goers and visitors taking shelter inside the Space Needle, crouched on the floor and hiding behind pillars and merchandise displays as officers and first responders moved through the landmark. An attendee described the scene afterward as "pure chaos."
The US flag on top of the Space Needle was lowered to half-mast after the shooting [Reuters]
Four of the injured were transported to hospitals in stable condition; a fifth person declined transport, officials said. The US flag atop the Space Needle was lowered to half-mast as the city mourned.
Official Reactions
Local and state leaders condemned the violence. Governor Bob Ferguson wrote on social media that his "prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe." Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said federal, state and city officials were coordinating closely with Seattle leaders to get updates.
Mayor Wilson called the attack an "act of horrific violence," saying impacted families are "living through the worst moment of their lives," and that the community is struggling to understand how an event built around culture and connection ended in gunfire. "Tonight, our attention belongs to the people whose lives were taken, those fighting to recover, and the families beside them," she added.
The Seattle Police Department has asked anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward to assist the investigation.
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