3 Killed, Toddler Among Injured in Seattle Bite of Seattle Festival Shooting

A shooting during Seattle's annual Bite of Seattle food festival left three people dead and four others injured, including a 2 year old boy, after two suspects allegedly exchanged gunfire near the Space Needle on Sunday evening. One suspect has been arrested, while police continue searching for a second person believed to have been involved in the shooting.

The gunfire broke out at around 6.01 pm local time outside the Seattle Center Armory during the final hours of the three day festival, which attracts nearly 350,000 visitors every year. Seattle Police said officers who were already deployed for the event responded within seconds, treating victims and securing the scene before launching a search for the suspects.

Police said seven people were shot. Three victims, identified only as a 19 year old man, a 44 year old man and a 56 year old woman, died from their injuries. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died later at Harborview Medical Center. The four surviving victims, including the toddler, remain hospitalized in stable condition. Another victim sought treatment separately at the University of Washington Medical Center.

Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis said investigators believe the violence stemmed from an exchange of gunfire between two individuals, though detectives are still working to determine whether any of the victims were involved or were innocent bystanders. Officers recovered two firearms from the scene, and homicide detectives along with the Gun Violence Reduction Unit are leading the investigation. Authorities stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Witnesses described scenes of terror as thousands of festivalgoers ran for safety. Estan Wakonabo, who was waiting in line with his girlfriend at a photo booth, said the crowd suddenly surged.

"People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling," he said before hearing multiple gunshots. Videos circulating online showed people screaming "Get down!" as families abandoned food stalls, climbed fences and took shelter inside nearby buildings while police cleared the area.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson condemned the attack as "an act of horrific violence" and said no one should fear being shot while attending a community event. She thanked first responders for their rapid response and pledged support for the victims' families.