Seattle community holds vigil after Bite of Seattle shooting

About 100 attendees assembled Monday evening at Seattle Center's International Fountain to remember the three people killed and four injured during the shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival. Mayor Katie Wilson, Police Chief Shon Barnes and local residents participated in the ceremony, which emphasized healing and support for those affected.

Organizers and speakers urged an end to gun violence and called for community unity. The vigil concluded with three minutes of silence, a prayer and a communal rendition of "This Little Light of Mine."

The King County Medical Examiner identified the deceased as Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19; Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44; and Ashley Whitehead, 56. Police indicated the incident appears gang-related, noting that Semo was likely involved in an exchange of gunfire with at least one other suspect. A 15-year-old remains in custody on suspicion of first-degree assault and firearms violations, and detectives continue to search for a third suspect believed to be involved.

Mayor Wilson said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from Seattle Center, although no cameras covered the exact location of the shooting. "Tensions are high, and there's a lot of time-sensitive work to do," she said, adding that officials are being deliberate about releasing information while the probe proceeds.

Assistant Police Chief Nicole Powell, who led a briefing, declined to comment on whether firearms recovered at the scene were reported stolen. Police Chief Barnes acknowledged concerns about the department's communication after the shooting and said the force is working to improve information sharing during major incidents.

Seattle Center has reopened to the public, and city officials said another community vigil is planned for Wednesday.