A festive evening at one of Seattle’s biggest food events turned deadly after gunfire erupted near the iconic Space Needle, leaving three people dead and four others injured on Sunday, July 26.
According to the BBC, the shooting broke out at about 6 pm during the annual Bite of Seattle, a three-day festival that attracts about 350,000 visitors for food, drinks and live entertainment.
Videos shared by attendees captured the terrifying moment gunshots rang out, sending crowds fleeing for safety.
A Seattle Fire Department spokesperson said two victims died at the scene, while a third succumbed to injuries after being taken to hospital.
Five people were transported to Harborview Medical Centre with gunshot wounds to their arms, legs and abdomen.
Among the survivors are a 56-year-old woman in serious condition, three people in stable condition, including a two-year-old boy, and a woman who suffered minor injuries.
Police swiftly responded to the scene and arrested one suspect. Investigators believe the shooting resulted from an exchange of gunfire between two individuals. A second suspect remains at large, although authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“There were people who we believe were shooting at each other,” Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis told reporters.
“This is a tragedy, and I’m really sorry this happened,” he added.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson praised the swift response by officers who secured the area and assisted the victims.
The incident sparked an outpouring of reactions online.
“So sad. This is an event my husband and I always go to,” Instagram user Maha Oki wrote.
Another user, Ari Dearr, commented, “Was there, so scary. Had to hide and run. Rest in peace to those killed.”