A Sunday evening shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle left three people dead and at least four others injured, including a two-year-old child, according to local authorities.
Emergency responders arrived at the Seattle Center shortly after 6 p. m.
following reports of gunfire during the three-day event, which draws roughly 350,000 visitors annually.
Two victims died at the scene, while four others were taken to Harborview Medical Center with gunshot wounds to their limbs and abdomen.
Another individual later arrived at a separate hospital seeking treatment for a bullet wound. Police reported that one of the hospitalized victims subsequently succumbed to their injuries.
Investigators retrieved two weapons at the scene as multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and a Washington state SWAT team, joined the response.
The shooting caused nearby monorail operations to suspend service for the remainder of the evening.
Seattle Police Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis stated during a late Sunday briefing that two individuals had been firing at one another.
Davis confirmed one suspect was taken into custody while officers continued searching for a second involved person, adding that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“There is no outstanding threat to the community,” Davis said.
Initial statements from city leadership had indicated two people were in custody before officials revised the count.
Mayor Katie Wilson described the incident as “an act of horrific violence” affecting a community gathering.
Wilson emphasized the city's commitment to investigating the event while focusing on supporting the victims and their families.
“In the days ahead, we will establish what happened and be transparent with the public about what we have learned,” she said.
She added that public attention should remain centered on those affected by the violence.
“Tonight, our attention belongs to the people whose lives were taken, those fighting to recover, and the families beside them,” Wilson said.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing rapid gunfire near outdoor vendor displays and stage areas, prompting crowds to flee into nearby structures, including the Space Needle gift shop.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the incident marks one of at least 271 mass shootings recorded in the United States this year.
