Three people have been killed and four others injured following a shooting at the annual Bite of Seattle food festival, authorities confirmed.
The shooting broke out at around 6:00 pm local time on Sunday at Seattle Center, sending thousands of festivalgoers fleeing for safety. Witnesses described hearing rapid gunfire before crowds ran for cover, with many taking shelter inside the nearby Space Needle.
One suspect arrested as second remains at large
Seattle Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis said officers were already in the area when the shooting began and responded immediately.
According to Davis, one of the suspected shooters surrendered and was taken into custody. Police believe a second suspect fled the scene, prompting a large-scale manhunt.
Authorities said seven people suffered gunshot wounds. Officers also performed CPR on several victims before emergency medical teams arrived.
Death toll rises to three
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third later died from injuries at Harborview Medical Center.
Earlier, the Seattle Fire Department confirmed that a two-year-old boy was among the injured and was taken to hospital in a stable condition. Other victims included a 56-year-old woman in a serious condition, a 39-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man, both in stable condition. Another woman sustained minor injuries and declined hospital treatment.
Harborview Medical Center temporarily entered partial lockdown while treating the victims.
Mayor condemns ‘horrific’ violence
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson described the shooting as an “unbelievable tragedy and a horrific act of violence.”
She said the city had experienced three major gun violence incidents within just a few days, adding that there was “far too much gun violence in this city and in this country.”
Wilson thanked police officers for quickly arresting one suspect while confirming the investigation remains ongoing.
Investigation continues
Police have urged members of the public to avoid the Seattle Center as officers continue searching for the second suspect.
The Pacific Science Center, located within the Seattle Center complex, announced it will remain closed on Monday, with all scheduled shows cancelled and visitors receiving automatic refunds.
State officials, including Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, condemned the attack and expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.
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