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 erupted Sunday evening at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle. Police say two suspects were shooting at each other amid the crowds gathered for the annual event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors over three days.

Seattle Police Department Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis told reporters that officers working security at the festival heard shots around 6 p.m. local time and confronted one suspect who surrendered. A second suspect fled and remains at large, though Davis stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public. Two weapons were recovered at the scene. The suspect in custody was described only as a young person, and investigators have not released a description of the second individual or any motive.

Two victims died at the scene and a third died after being taken to Harborview Medical Center. The Seattle Fire Department said three adults and the two-year-old boy were transported to the hospital in stable condition, while a fifth injured person arrived on their own and received treatment for a minor wound. Officials have not said whether any of the victims were involved in the confrontation between the two gunmen.

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

Witnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out near food vendors and the Seattle Center grounds. Faith Adia Hunter told The Associated Press that she and friends were near one of the gunmen when the shooting started and ran for cover inside the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum. Videos shared online showed people sheltering inside the Space Needle lobby, crouching behind pillars and display cases.

The festival, which began in 1982, is one of the city’s signature summer attractions. Davis said police are still piecing together exactly how the exchange began and whether additional people may have been involved. The investigation remains active, with authorities asking anyone with information or video to come forward.

The presence of a toddler among the wounded has drawn particular attention from city leaders already grappling with repeated episodes of street violence. No arrests beyond the one suspect have been announced, and officials have not linked the shooting to any larger dispute or criminal activity at the event.