Two killed, five wounded in shooting at Seattle food festival; one suspect arrested

At least two people were killed and five others wounded when gunfire erupted Sunday evening at the Bite of Seattle food festival, an annual event that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Seattle Center, a sprawling entertainment complex near the Space Needle. The shooting, reported just after 6 p.m. local time, sent thousands of attendees fleeing in panic as police and emergency crews converged on the scene.

What happened

The Seattle Police Department confirmed on social media that shots were fired at the Seattle Center, which was hosting the festival. "Please avoid the area," police wrote. "Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center." Fire crews responded to reports of a shooting near the center just after 6 p.m., the fire department said in a statement. They attempted lifesaving efforts on two patients, but both were declared dead at the scene. Five other patients were treated for injuries ranging from minor to serious.

Casualties and response

Among the wounded was a child approximately two years old, who was transported to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. A 56-year-old woman remained in critical condition, while the other injured were stable, according to the BBC. One person with minor injuries did not require hospital treatment. Harborview Medical Center said it was on standby to receive victims. The fire department confirmed the two fatalities and the five injuries, with four of the wounded taken to hospital.

They attempted lifesaving efforts on two patients but both were declared dead at the scene.

Witness accounts

Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots and a chaotic scramble. Two people at the festival told a CNN affiliate they heard "seven to eight shots" inside the event space. Others reported "at least two dozen shots" and people running "in all directions," according to CNN. The Seattle Times cited witnesses who said panic broke out and frightened attendees fled. The festival, which features hundreds of food vendors and live music, was packed with visitors when the shooting began.

Investigation and arrests

Seattle police have not released information about a motive. Mayor Katie Wilson said one suspect was arrested and taken into custody, having earlier said two people were being held, and noted that multiple shooters were reported to have been involved. "What happened at the Seattle Center today was an act of horrific violence," Wilson said in a statement. "Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire. No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city."

Festival and aftermath

The Bite of Seattle is a large annual food festival that, according to organizers, attracts several hundred thousand visitors each year. The Seattle Center, a popular entertainment and arts complex, is also home to the iconic Space Needle. Following the shooting, the Seattle Center Monorail suspended service for the remainder of the day, with normal operations expected to resume Monday morning. Police continued to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and urged the public to avoid the area. No further details about the suspects or the weapon used have been released.