At least two people were killed and multiple others were shot during an incident at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening, authorities confirmed. The Seattle Police Department reported that shots rang out around 6 p.m. local time at the Seattle Center, which was hosting the popular food event.
Thousands of attendees were present when the gunfire erupted, leading to a chaotic scene as crowds fled the area. "It was just pure chaos," one attendee told reporters, describing people trampling over each other in an effort to escape. Another attendee returning to the scene reported seeing several gunshot victims on the ground and one covered with a sheet.
The Harborview Medical Center, a nearby hospital, went into lockdown due to the increased police activity following what was described as a "mass casualty incident."
Police have urged the public to avoid the area surrounding Seattle Center, located near the Space Needle, as an investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the number of gunmen or victims.