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Deadly violence shocks Seattle festival
The Seattle Food Festival Shooting left three people dead and four others injured after gunfire erupted during the Bite of Seattle festival on Sunday evening. Police arrested one suspect at the scene. Meanwhile, officers continue searching for a second suspect. Investigators believe the two suspects exchanged gunfire rather than targeting festivalgoers directly.
Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis said investigators do not believe the remaining suspect poses an ongoing threat to the public. However, detectives continue gathering evidence and reviewing witness accounts. Authorities have not released a description of the suspect.
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Victims include toddler and three fatalities
The shooting unfolded around 6 p.m. beneath Seattle’s iconic Space Needle during the final hours of the three-day food festival. Two victims died at the scene, while a third later died at a local hospital.
Authorities identified the deceased as two men, aged 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman. Four additional victims remain hospitalized in stable condition. Among them is a two-year-old boy. Police have not determined whether any victims had any connection to the confrontation.
Officers respond within moments
Dozens of police officers already patrolled the festival when the shooting began. Some officers witnessed one suspect firing a weapon and quickly moved toward the scene. One suspect surrendered immediately, but the second suspect escaped before officers secured the area.
Emergency crews evacuated the Seattle Center campus while investigators searched extensively for the fleeing suspect. Despite those efforts, officers did not locate the individual before the search concluded Sunday night.
Witnesses describe panic and chaos
Festival visitors described terrifying moments as crowds fled in every direction. Faith Adia Hunter said she had just picked up food when the shooting started. She and her friends immediately ran into the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum for shelter.
Vendor Roberto Ramirez initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks. However, people soon shouted “shooter,” triggering widespread panic. Many vendors abandoned their booths as frightened visitors rushed toward exits.
Another attendee, Estan Wakonabo, recalled seeing people push through crowds while strollers overturned and families scrambled for safety. After securing his girlfriend, he returned and witnessed multiple victims lying on the ground as emergency responders arrived.
Investigation continues
Investigators continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to determine what sparked the exchange. Officials have not released a motive, and they have not identified either suspect publicly.
The Bite of Seattle has welcomed visitors since 1982 and typically attracts about 350,000 attendees. This year’s event ended in tragedy, leaving the city searching for answers while police intensify efforts to locate the remaining suspect.
