A Seattle Center shooting left two people dead and five others wounded Sunday evening during the Bite of Seattle food festival. Officials said a 2-year-old boy was among the injured after gunfire broke out near the Space Needle.
The shooting happened around 6 p.m. on July 26 as the annual festival was winding down, according to The Associated Press. Police and emergency crews responded to the Seattle Center campus and urged the public to avoid the area.
Seattle Center Shooting Under Investigation
Seattle police said they were investigating after multiple people were shot at Seattle Center. The scene drew a large emergency response near one of the city’s busiest event areas.
Seattle Fire Department officials said first responders tried to save two victims at the scene. Both were pronounced dead.
Five other people were injured. Officials said they included a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, a 40-year-old woman and a 56-year-old woman.
The 56-year-old woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. The toddler, the 23-year-old man and the 39-year-old woman were listed in stable condition. The 40-year-old woman had minor injuries and declined hospital transport, according to reports.
Shooting Happened During Bite of Seattle
The gunfire erupted during Bite of Seattle, a long-running food festival held at Seattle Center. The event features food vendors, live music and community activities.
The festival began in 1982 and often draws large crowds over several days. Sunday’s shooting caused panic among attendees, vendors and families who had gathered for the event.
Witnesses described people running from the area as police moved in. Some attendees sheltered inside nearby buildings while officers worked to clear the scene.
Authorities have not released the names of the two people killed. They also have not released a motive.
Suspects and Public Safety Response
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said two suspects were in custody, according to ABC News. Police had not released further details about the suspects as of late Sunday night.
The FBI was aware of the shooting, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded, ABC News reported.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he was receiving briefings on the shooting. He also said Washington State Patrol SWAT officers were deployed to assist local police.
Officials continued to ask people to stay away from the Seattle Center area while investigators processed the scene.
Community Reels After Festival Violence
The Seattle Center shooting disrupted an event built around food, music and community. It also raised urgent safety concerns for large public gatherings.
Mayor Wilson called the violence horrific and said affected families were facing an unimaginable moment. City and state officials said responders were working to secure the area and support victims.
The investigation remains active. Community members with information should follow police instructions and contact Seattle authorities as officials work to determine what led to the shooting.