Three Killed in Shooting Near Seattle’s Space Needle

SEATTLE (GNP): Three people were killed and several others injured Sunday evening when gunfire broke out at a food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle. City officials described the attack as an act of senseless violence.

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. local time at Seattle Center, which had been hosting the annual Bite of Seattle festival throughout the weekend, according to the city’s fire department.

Seattle Police Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis said investigators believe two suspects were shooting at each other when the gunfire erupted. Bystanders were caught in the crossfire.

One suspect was taken into custody at the scene. A second remains at large as police continue their investigation. Mayor Katie Wilson had initially said two suspects were in custody before revising that account later Sunday evening to confirm only one had been apprehended.

Of the three fatalities, two people died at the scene and a third died later at a hospital, officials said. Among those injured was a two-year-old boy.

Four of the injured were transported to hospital in stable condition. A fifth person who was hurt declined transport, the fire department said.

Video footage shared online showed festivalgoers taking shelter inside the Space Needle itself. People were seen crouched on the ground, hiding behind pillars and merchandise displays in the building’s lobby as gunfire continued outside.

Seattle police said their investigation remains ongoing. They urged members of the public to avoid the area while officers continue their work.

Officials at the local, state and federal level responded with condemnation and expressions of grief following the shooting. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said his prayers were with the victims’ families and with the responders working to keep people safe.

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Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle in Congress, said her office was coordinating with Wilson’s and Ferguson’s teams for updates as the situation developed. She added that her thoughts were with everyone affected by the violence.

Wilson herself described the shooting as an act of horrific violence that struck at the heart of a community gathering meant to celebrate culture and connection. She said the affected families are living through the worst moment of their lives.

She added that the broader community is grappling with how the celebration turned into tragedy. The city’s attention now belongs to those who lost their lives, those still fighting to recover, and the families standing beside them.

In a symbolic gesture following the attack, the American flag atop the Space Needle was lowered to half-mast.