Seattle shooting near Space Needle leaves three dead as police arrest suspect
Gunfire at Seattle’s popular Bite of Seattle festival killed three people and injured at least four others, including a toddler, prompting a major police response.
Police secure the area after a deadly shooting near Seattle's Space Needle during the Bite of Seattle festival.
SEATTLE: A Seattle shooting near the iconic Space Needle left three people dead and at least four others injured, including a toddler, after gunfire erupted during a crowded food festival on Sunday.
Police arrested one suspect shortly after the attack and launched a search for another person believed to have been involved.
Gunfire breaks out at food festival
The shooting occurred around 6pm local time at the Seattle Center, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual Bite of Seattle festival.
Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis said investigators believe two individuals exchanged gunfire, triggering panic among festival-goers.
Officers recovered two firearms from the scene.
Police later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Victims taken to hospital
Authorities confirmed that three people died in the shooting.
At least four others suffered injuries and were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.
Hospital officials said the injured included a child, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and another woman who underwent surgery.
Police said all surviving victims were in stable condition.
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Witnesses describe panic
Several witnesses said they initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks.
However, they quickly realized the danger as crowds rushed to escape.
“At first, I thought there were fireworks, and then everybody flooded and ran past us,” witness Nick Bate told local television station KIRO.
Another witness said they immediately ran without looking back after hearing multiple shots.
Leaders condemn the attack
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said State Patrol SWAT officers assisted local police following the shooting.
He expressed sympathy for the victims and thanked emergency responders for their efforts.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson described the attack as “an act of horrific violence.”
She also praised police officers for quickly responding to the incident and taking a suspect into custody.
Investigation continues
Detectives are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Authorities are also searching for a second suspect believed to have fled after the incident.
The shooting disrupted one of Seattle’s largest summer events, which celebrates local restaurants, businesses and food vendors.
