In brief
In the early evening of Sunday, a diner shooting unfolded amid Seattle’s annual Bite of Seattle festival, killing three people and injuring at least five. Police say two suspects were involved, with one captured and the other still at large. Victims included a two‑year‑old boy, and the victims that died were either killed on the scene or succumbed in hospital. The Space Needle’s lobby became a makeshift shelter as gunfire echoed over the city. City officials, including Mayor Katie Wilson and Governor Bob Ferguson, expressed condolences and pledged support for the affected families.
The Bite of Seattle festival turned grim when shots rang out near the Space Needle on Sunday evening, leaving three people dead and several others severely wounded.
According to the Seattle Fire Department, the shooting began around 18:00 local time and involved two suspects. Police captured one suspect on scene; the second has fled and remains at large.
The victims included a two‑year‑old boy, and the fatalities were either on the spot or died later in the hospital. Video footage has shown attendees rapidly taking cover in the Space Needle lobby, crouching behind shelves and pillars as the gunfire continued.
Mayor Katie Wilson thanked the police that responded in her statement and noted the city’s plan to keep the area closed for investigations.
Seattle Police Department Chief Tyrone Davis confirmed that the shooters appear to have directed the weapons at one another; the case remains under investigation.
The flag at the Space Needle was lowered to half‑mast in a tribute to the victims, underscoring the tragedy’s impact on the city.
Governor Bob Ferguson posted a condolence message on social media, offering prayers for the families and responders. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal also remarked on the senseless violence, pledging coordination with local officials to support the community.
Authorities urge residents to avoid the scene while police continue their efforts to identify and apprehend the remaining suspect.
