Police are searching for a second suspect after a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday left three people dead and four others wounded, including a toddler. An initial suspect was arrested at the scene.
Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis stated that investigators believe the two suspects were firing at each other. Despite one suspect remaining at large, Davis assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
The victims included two men, ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman. Two died at the scene, and the third succumbed to injuries at a hospital. The four wounded individuals, who were hospitalized and in stable condition early Monday, included a 2-year-old boy. The identities of the victims have not been released, and it is unclear if any were involved in the confrontation.
The gunfire broke out around 6 p.m. Sunday during the final hours of the annual three-day festival, which attracts numerous vendors and performers. Dozens of officers were present for security and witnessed one of the suspects firing, according to Davis. Law enforcement secured the grounds but could not locate the second suspect.
A large police and emergency response ensued, leading to the evacuation of the Seattle Center campus. Witnesses described a scene of panic, with many fleeing the area. Some attendees sought shelter in nearby buildings, such as the Seattle Children's Museum, while vendors abandoned their stands.
Roberto Ramirez, a vendor at the event, reported hearing what sounded like firecrackers before shouts of “shooter” erupted. Estan Wakonabo, who was at the festival with his girlfriend, described being pushed and seeing a rush of people fleeing before hearing gunshots. He later returned to the scene and saw multiple victims on the ground.
The Bite of Seattle festival, which began in 1982, typically draws approximately 350,000 attendees.