Mass Shooting at Seattle Food Festival Kills Two

Two people were killed and at least five others, including a two-year-old boy, were injured after a mass shooting erupted at Seattle Center during the popular Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening reported The Seattle Times.

Gunfire broke out around 6 p.m. local time as thousands of people attended the annual festival at the 74-acre entertainment complex. Witnesses described scenes of panic as crowds fled for safety after multiple shots rang out.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed late Sunday that police had taken one person into custody. Earlier reports indicated two people had been detained. Authorities had not confirmed whether additional suspects remained at large, and investigators had not announced a motive.

A reporter at the scene heard several loud pops followed by what appeared to be rapid gunfire near Climate Pledge Arena.

Festival attendee Estan Wakonabo, 25, said he and his girlfriend initially struggled to move through the packed event before the shooting sent people running.

“It was just pure chaos,” Wakonabo said.

He later returned and saw several victims lying on the ground, including one body covered by a yellow sheet.

Video streamed by a food vendor appeared to capture the first moments of the attack, with people shouting “Shooting!” before others urged the crowd to get down as hundreds fled.

The Seattle Fire Department said paramedics treated five injured people at the scene. They included a two-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and a 56-year-old woman, all of whom were transported to hospital. A 40-year-old woman suffered minor injuries.

Harborview Medical Center confirmed that four patients arrived with gunshot wounds. Hospital officials said the 56-year-old woman underwent surgery and remained in critical condition, while the remaining patients were listed in satisfactory condition.

Witness Kayla Carris, 22, said she was sitting outside the Seattle Center Armory when panic spread through the crowd.

“Everyone was just throwing stuff and running. Like everyone,” she said.

Food vendor Paul Skinner initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks before seeing crowds rush through the festival.

“I just told our staff to get down,” he said.

Another witness, Todd Behrends, said people ran in every direction, with some falling and being trampled during the frantic escape. He also saw a woman lying on the ground and another victim being carried away on a stretcher.

Seattle Police urged the public to avoid the area while officers secured the scene and began their investigation.

The incident also disrupted screenings at the nearby Pacific Science Center IMAX theatre. Moviegoer Abdul Mohammed said staff halted a screening of The Odyssey and instructed patrons to raise their hands and leave the building as heavily armed police officers entered to clear the premises.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have not released the identities of the victims.

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