Seattle’s Bite of Seattle festival turned deadly at around 18:00 local time on Sunday as a shooting erupted at the Seattle Center, close to the iconic Space Needle.
City firefighters report that three people were killed on the scene, one more died later in hospital, and at least six others were hospitalized or treated on the spot, including a two‑year‑old boy. Authorities confirmed that one suspect was arrested, while a second suspect fled and has not yet been located.
Mayor Katie Wilson said the police response was swift, "thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took a suspect into custody." She later clarified that one suspect was still at large after her initial statement.
Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis noted that, "It is believed the suspects were shooting at each other," indicating confusion and chaos during the incident.
The Seattle Police Department has declared an ongoing investigation and urged residents to avoid the area while authorities work to secure the site. Police video footage showed people seeking cover behind pillars and shelves inside the Space Needle’s lobby, with citizens being filmed fleeing the scene.
National leaders weighed in. Governor Bob Ferguson posted on social media, "My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe," labeling the event a "senseless act of violence."
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, representing Seattle, said, "Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this senseless violence," and pledged coordination with local officials.
The community mourns as the Space Needle’s US flag was lowered to half‑mast in tribute. As of 4 hours after the incident, the status of the second suspect remains unknown and updates continue to be released.
