Seattle police say at least three shooters were involved in Bite of Seattle shooting
Authorities say a 15-year-old, an accomplice who died at the scene, and at least one other unknown suspect were involved in the weekend shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival, which left three people dead and four injured.
Police announced that at least three shooters were involved in the shooting at Seattle's Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle over the weekend. A juvenile court filing indicates the suspects included a 15-year-old who was arrested, an acquaintance who was killed at the scene, and at least one other unidentified individual.
"Based on the evidence at the scene, investigators believe" the 15-year-old "and one of the deceased engaged in a gunfight with at least one other unknown suspect," the filing stated.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said the teen is being held in juvenile detention on firearms-violation and first-degree-assault charges ahead of a court appearance. Police chief Shon Barnes added that investigators are still trying to identify the additional suspect and have not ruled out that the person may be among those killed.
The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. on Sunday during the three-day Bite of Seattle festival, resulted in three fatalities – two men aged 19 and 44 and a 56-year-old woman – and four injuries, including a 2-year-old boy who remained in satisfactory condition. Vendors were allowed back onto the Seattle Center grounds on Monday to retrieve equipment.
Witnesses described panic as attendees fled the area. One vendor recalled hearing what sounded like firecrackers before people began shouting “shooter” and running. Another attendee said she and friends sought shelter in the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum after gunfire erupted.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Monday night at the International Fountain, and police continue to search for the unknown suspect.