Three people were killed and four others wounded in a shooting Sunday evening at the Bite of Seattle food festival, authorities reported. One suspect has been arrested, and police are searching for a second individual they believe was involved in an exchange of gunfire.
Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis stated that investigators believe the two suspects were shooting at each other and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The conditions of the four wounded individuals are stable.
The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. near the end of the annual festival, which draws hundreds of vendors and performers to the Seattle Center. A 2-year-old boy was among the wounded, according to the Seattle Fire Department. The injured victims sustained injuries to their arms, abdomens, or legs.
Large numbers of police and emergency crews responded to the scene, evacuating the area. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson confirmed he was receiving briefings and that State Patrol SWAT officers were assisting local police.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out. Faith Adia Hunter recounted being near the gunfire and fleeing into a building with others for shelter. Roberto Ramirez, a vendor, said he heard sounds like firecrackers before people began shouting and running.
Estan Wakonabo described being pushed in a crowd and hearing multiple gunshots before seeing victims on the ground. He had been waiting in line with his girlfriend when the incident began.
The Bite of Seattle festival, which started in 1982, is an annual event held over three days that typically attracts a large number of attendees. Police have not yet released a description of the outstanding suspect.