Two people have died and at least five others were injured, among them a two-year-old boy, after a mass shooting erupted at a popular food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle. The attack took place on Sunday at the Bite of Seattle Food Festival, held at the Seattle Center, a major public venue in the city. Emergency services confirmed that two individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were rushed to local hospitals, including the young child. The condition of the injured has not yet been disclosed by authorities.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunfire sent festivalgoers scrambling for cover. Video footage circulating on social media shows crowds running through the plaza as the sound of repeated shots echoes across the site. The Seattle Center, which houses cultural institutions and the landmark Space Needle, was hosting the annual food festival, drawing thousands of visitors. Police have cordoned off the area and are appealing for information, but no arrests have been reported so far. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Local fire department officials were among the first responders. According to reports, the shooting occurred in the late afternoon, prompting an immediate lockdown of the event. The Seattle Police Department has urged the public to avoid the area and to share any relevant footage or tips. The injured were transported to Harborview Medical Center, a regional trauma centre, where they are receiving treatment. The two-year-old victim’s family has not made any public statement.
The Bite of Seattle is an annual event that showcases cuisine from local restaurants and food trucks, typically drawing large crowds to the Seattle Center grounds. The venue is also home to museums, theatres, and the Space Needle observation tower, making it a hub for tourism and community gatherings. Sunday’s shooting is the latest in a series of public gun violence incidents in the United States, raising renewed concerns about safety at large public events.
Police are investigating whether there was more than one shooter, but no definitive information has been released. The FBI has been notified and is offering assistance to local authorities. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a statement expressing condolences and promising a thorough investigation. Community leaders have called for calm and urged anyone with information to come forward.
The incident has shocked residents and visitors alike. The Seattle Center will remain closed until further notice. Additional security measures are expected for future events. As the investigation continues, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
