A shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday evening killed three people and injured five others, with police suggesting the violence stemmed from a confrontation between rival groups. The incident occurred during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival, sending festivalgoers fleeing.
Seattle Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis stated that evidence at the scene indicated multiple individuals were firing at each other. "Those involved appeared to be shooting at each other," Davis told reporters. Detectives from homicide and gun violence reduction units responded to the scene. Two weapons were recovered, supporting the theory of a shootout.
One person, described as a "young person," was detained in connection with the shooting. Police reported that another suspect is believed to have fled the scene, but stated there is no ongoing threat to the public. One victim died at the hospital, while two others died at the festival site. Of the five injured, four were transported to a local hospital, including a two-year-old boy. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Disturbing footage captured by a food vendor showed the moment the gunfire erupted, with people, including families with young children, running for safety. Estan Wakonabo, a festival attendee, described the scene as chaotic, with people pushing and falling as strollers were overturned. "Once I heard a 'pop, pop, pop,' that's when I knew it was a shooter," he said.
The Bite of Seattle, which began in 1982, typically draws hundreds of thousands of attendees over three days for food, drink, and community celebration. Mayor Katie Wilson released a statement calling the event "an act of horrific violence" and emphasizing the need to support grieving families and the injured. "Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public," Wilson said.