Two dead, five injured in shooting at Seattle food festival
A gunfire incident at the Bite of Seattle festival left two people dead and five injured, including a toddler, while police have taken a suspect into custody.
Police responded to a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on the Seattle Center around 18:00 local time, where two people were pronounced dead at the scene and five others were injured, including a two-year-old boy taken to hospital in stable condition. The Pacific Science Center, located on the south end of the Seattle Center, announced it would remain closed on Monday and that tickets for the day had been refunded.
Mayor Katie Wilson said a suspect had been taken into custody, thanking officers for their response. Governor Bob Ferguson expressed condolences to the victims' families and urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Congressional Representative Pramila Jayapal also condemned the incident as "senseless violence" and noted coordination with local officials.
Witnesses reported hearing rapid gunfire and seeking cover in the Space Needle lobby and surrounding areas. Hospital Harborview Medical Center placed its facility in partial lockdown as it treated four victims, all reported to be in satisfactory condition.
Authorities have not released further details about the suspect or motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.