At least three suspects were involved in a deadly shooting at a food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle on Sunday evening, according to police reports. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. during the final hours of the three-day Bite of Seattle festival held at Seattle Center, a large park and event space in the city.
Authorities have identified two individuals as shooters: a 15-year-old suspect who was taken into custody and an acquaintance who was killed at the scene. Police believe there was at least one additional unknown suspect involved. A juvenile court filing detailed the involvement of the 15-year-old, who is being held on charges including firearms violations and first-degree assault. The teen did not appear for a scheduled court hearing on Monday for reasons not yet disclosed by officials.
Three people died as a result of the gunfire—two men aged 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman. Four others were injured, including a 2-year-old boy who was reported to be in satisfactory condition by Monday. The other injured individuals—a 23-year-old man, a 27-year-old man, and a 39-year-old woman—were released after treatment.
The shooting triggered panic among festival attendees, many of whom sought shelter inside nearby campus buildings or fled the area. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with some recalling a stampede as people scrambled for safety. Several reported seeing others fall and baby strollers being knocked over amid the rush.
Seattle police responded swiftly with a large deployment of officers and emergency personnel, securing the area and conducting searches, including of an IMAX theater on the festival grounds where they initially suspected a second shooter had hidden. Police Chief Shon Barnes later stated that investigators were uncertain if the second shooter was among those killed. The department faced some criticism over the timing and accuracy of its public communication, having waited several hours before confirming that one suspect was in custody and another remained at large. Mayor Katie Wilson had initially reported that two suspects were detained, a statement later corrected by officials.
Vendors at the festival returned the following morning to retrieve their equipment and merchandise, leaving behind unfinished food and supplies in the aftermath. A candlelight vigil was planned for Monday evening at Seattle Center’s International Fountain to honor those affected by the tragedy. Local residents and vendors expressed sorrow over the incident, describing the victims as innocent attendees who came to enjoy the event and were caught in what many called senseless violence.