Police arrested one person and are searching for a second suspect after gunfire broke out near the Space Needle.
SEATTLE – Three people were killed and four others were injured Sunday evening when gunfire broke out during the Bite of Seattle food festival. The shooting happened at about 6 p.m. outside the Seattle Center Armory, near the Space Needle.
Seattle police said early evidence shows that two people were shooting at each other. One person was arrested at the scene, but investigators were still searching for a second suspect Monday. Police had not released a description of that person. Officials said they did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public.
The people killed were a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. Two died at the scene, while the third died later at Harborview Medical Center. Their names had not been released as of Monday.
The four injured people included a 2-year-old boy, two men ages 23 and 27, and a 39-year-old woman. The child was reported to be in satisfactory condition Monday. The three adults were released from the hospital, according to The Associated Press.
Dozens of police officers were already working security at the festival when the shooting began. Some officers saw one of the suspected shooters firing, police said. Officers reached the victims within seconds and gave emergency care until Seattle firefighters arrived.
The gunfire caused panic across the crowded festival. Witnesses described people running, pushing and falling as they tried to escape. Some visitors took shelter inside the Seattle Children’s Museum, while many food vendors left their stands, equipment and supplies behind.
The Bite of Seattle is a three-day event featuring food vendors, stores and live performances. It began in 1982 and normally draws about 350,000 visitors, according to the festival’s website. The shooting happened during the final hours of this year’s event.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson called the shooting an act of horrific violence. She said a community event meant to bring people together had ended in tragedy. A candlelight vigil was planned for Monday night at the International Fountain at Seattle Center.
Police homicide detectives and the department’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit are investigating what led to the shooting. Authorities asked anyone with information, photos or video to call the Seattle Police Department tip line at 206-233-5000.
