Shootout at Bite of Seattle Kills Three, Wounds Four

Three people were killed and four others wounded, including a two-year-old boy, when gunfire broke out Sunday evening at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle. Seattle police said the incident appeared to be a shootout between two suspects, one of whom was taken into custody while the other remained at large.

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. at the Seattle Center during the final hours of the annual three-day event, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Two victims died at the scene, and a third died after being transported to Harborview Medical Center. The four injured victims, three adults and the child, were taken to the hospital in stable condition, according to the Seattle Fire Department. A fifth person was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis said officers working the event heard shots at 6:01 p.m. and confronted one suspect, described only as a young person, who surrendered. Two weapons were recovered. Davis said police believe the two individuals were shooting at each other, though he noted the possibility that more than two people were involved. No description was available for the second suspect, and officials stressed there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Mayor Katie Wilson, speaking at a joint news conference with police and fire officials, called the event an "unbelievable tragedy" and a "horrific act of violence." She noted that Seattle had already experienced three major gun violence incidents in the preceding week. "We have far too much gun violence in this city and in this country," Wilson said.

Witnesses described sudden chaos as shots rang out near food vendors. Faith Adia Hunter told the Associated Press she and friends were near one shooter when the gunfire began and fled into the Seattle Children's Museum. Another attendee, Estan Wakonabo, said the scene quickly turned to panic.

The festival, which began in 1982, features food, drink and performances and is typically held without major security incidents. Dozens of officers were already providing security at the time of the shooting. Police urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

The episode underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence in American cities, where disputes can escalate rapidly in crowded public spaces. Seattle officials have pointed to a recent uptick in such events, though detailed local statistics on trends remain limited in the immediate aftermath. The presence of a toddler among the wounded drew particular attention, illustrating how bystanders, including children, are often caught in the crossfire of targeted confrontations.

No motive has been released, and police have not confirmed whether any of the victims were connected to the suspects. The event has left the community grappling with the reality that routine gatherings remain vulnerable to sudden outbreaks of violence.