Seattle: At least two people were killed and five others were injured, including a two-year-old boy, after gunfire erupted during the popular Bite of Seattle food festival at the Seattle Center. Police have taken one suspect into custody as the investigation into the shooting continues.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. local time on Sunday at the Seattle Center, the sprawling public venue that is home to the iconic Space Needle and was hosting the annual food festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.
According to the Independent, the victims included a 56-year-old woman who was reported to be in serious condition, a two-year-old boy, two women aged 40 and 39, and a 23-year-old man. The Seattle Fire Department said four of the injured, including the child, were taken to hospital in stable condition, while another person was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that one suspect had been taken into custody, revising an earlier statement in which she had said that two suspects had been detained.
“I want to thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took a suspect into custody,” Wilson said in an updated statement, while assuring the public that authorities were continuing to investigate the incident.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire rang out across the festival grounds.
“It was just pure chaos,” 25-year-old Estan Wakonabo told local media, recalling that he was attending the festival with his girlfriend when the shooting began.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting. Police also have not said whether the suspect acted alone or if additional arrests are expected.
The Seattle Center remained under heavy police presence as investigators examined the crime scene and gathered evidence. Authorities have appealed to anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward to assist the investigation.
