Three Killed in Shooting at Bite of Seattle Food Festival

Three people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday.

Police said two suspects were shooting at each other. One suspect was taken into custody and the other remained at large, though officials stated there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Shots were fired around 18:00 local time at the annual event, which draws large crowds to downtown Seattle. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene and one died later at a hospital. Among the injured was a two-year-old boy, according to officials.

Videos posted online showed people sheltering inside the Space Needle. Footage captured individuals crouched on the floor behind pillars and merchandise displays in the building’s lobby.

Faith Adia Hunter told the Associated Press that one of the shooters was near her group when gunfire began. She and others ran into the Seattle Children’s Museum for cover. “We were right next to him when it started so we took off running,” she said. “So we took off running too into the building with the crowd.”

The Seattle Police Department said the investigation was continuing and advised the public to avoid the area.

Mayor Katie Wilson issued a statement thanking officers who responded and took one suspect into custody. She had initially reported that two suspects were in custody before issuing an updated statement later that evening.

The fire department said four injured people were transported to hospitals in stable condition and a fifth declined transport.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who represents the Seattle area, posted on social media that her office was in contact with city and state officials for updates. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this senseless violence,” she wrote.

Wilson described the incident as an act of horrific violence. She said impacted families were experiencing the worst moments of their lives and that the community was seeking to understand how an event focused on culture and connection ended in gunfire. She added that attention remained on those killed, those recovering, and their families, and that Seattle would stand with them in the days ahead.

The annual Bite of Seattle festival attracts thousands of visitors each year to sample food from local vendors in the shadow of the Space Needle. Sunday’s event occurred during peak attendance hours.