Three people were killed and four others, including a toddler, were injured after two people exchanged gunfire during the Bite of Seattle at Seattle Center on Sunday, according to preliminary information from the Seattle Police Department.
Seattle Police Acting Chief Tyrone Davis said preliminary information indicates two people exchanged gunfire outside the Seattle Center Armory about 6 p.m., though investigators are still working to determine whether anyone else was involved.
One individual surrendered to responding officers who were already on the Seattle Center grounds providing security for the festival and was taken into custody. A second suspect fled the scene, and detectives continue to search for the individual.
The shooting claimed the lives of a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. Two victims died at the scene, and the third died later at Harborview Medical Center.
Four additional victims were injured and transported to area hospitals. Harborview Medical Center reported Monday that a toddler remains hospitalized in satisfactory condition. A 23-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman treated at Harborview have been discharged. A 27-year-old man who was treated at UW Medical Center-Montlake has also been released.
Police said officers assigned to the Bite of Seattle heard the gunfire and responded within seconds, immediately providing emergency medical aid to victims while additional officers searched for those responsible.
“Our officers were there within seconds. They performed emergency aid to the wounded until the Seattle Fire Department was on scene,” Davis said. “Simultaneously, officers launched a search for the people responsible for this senseless violence.”
Police said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public, but investigators continue to pursue leads to identify anyone else involved in the shooting.
Detectives with the Seattle Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Gun Violence Reduction Unit are leading the investigation into what prompted the exchange of gunfire.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay called the shooting “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” saying the Bite of Seattle has long been one of the region’s signature summer traditions.
“My heart is with the victims and their loved ones, those who were senselessly injured, Seattle Center employees and vendors, and everyone who has been traumatized by the experience,” Zahilay said. “I am also grateful for the first responders who rushed in to protect others and care for the injured.”
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson called the shooting “an act of horrific violence” and said the city’s immediate priority is supporting victims and their families while ensuring the public receives accurate information.
“What happened at the Seattle Center today was an act of horrific violence,” Wilson said. “Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public.”
Wilson also thanked Seattle police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, Seattle Center employees, event staff and bystanders who responded to the shooting and encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress following the incident to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Seattle Police Department’s tip line at 206-233-5000.
