Deadly Mass Shooting at Bite of Seattle Food Festival Leaves Three Dead

Three people were killed and others injured after gunfire erupted at the annual Bite of Seattle food festival at Seattle Center, prompting a massive police response and manhunt.

Shun Out at Seattle Center

Around 6:00 PM local time at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival, which draws thousands of people, a series of shots rang out. Two witnesses present at the festival told local station KOMO that they heard between seven and eight shots on the premises, seeing a crowd fleeing in all directions and seeking shelter on the park grounds where the event was taking place.

Casualties and Medical Response

Representatives from Harborview Medical Center informed CNN that the facility is admitting the injured. According to BBC reports, two people died at the scene, while a third died at the hospital as a result of injuries sustained.

Police Investigation and Arrest

According to the Seattle Times, police have detained one person suspected of involvement in the shooting, while a second remains at large. Authorities secured two handguns at the scene, and the motive for the attack is currently unknown.

Scale of the Annual Event

The annual Bite of Seattle festival, which began in 1982, was taking place over the weekend at Seattle Center, featuring hundreds of local vendors and live musical performances. According to the organizers, the three-day event attracts up to 350,000 people.

Transport and Operations Suspended

Following reports of the shooting, the management of the Seattle Center Monorail announced that it would remain closed for the rest of the day, with service resuming Monday morning.