A suspect was taken into custody and police were searching for a second suspect after three people were killed, and four others were wounded Sunday in a mass shooting at the Seattle Center, according to Mayor Katie Wilson and police.
Wilson called the shooting “an act of horrific violence.”
“Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire,” Wilson said in a statement. “No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city.”
Police and emergency crews began arriving at the center shortly after 6 p.m. The venue was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend.
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“Please avoid the area,” Seattle Police wrote on X.
Police said one suspect has been arrested and they are searching for another. Investigators believe the two were shooting at each other and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Seattle Fire Department said two people were pronounced dead at the scene after attempting life-saving procedures.
Three other victims, including a 2-year-old, were transported to a hospital in stable condition, while a fourth victim was taken to the hospital in serious condition, the fire department said, adding that a fifth victim with minor injuries declined to be transported by first responders.
But officials have since updated the death toll to three without specifying which was the latest victim.
Harborview Medical Center spokesperson Susan Gregg said the injuries to the four patients involved an arm, abdomen and legs.
“Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public,” the mayor said.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he was receiving briefings and State Patrol SWAT officers responded to the scene to assist Seattle Police. He also urged residents to avoid the area and follow law enforcement instructions.
“My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” the governor said on X.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Seattle Police Department for additional information.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said she was “absolutely horrified” by the shooting.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and all those impacted by this senseless violence.”
“I am grateful to the officers and first responders who are at the scene and working to protect our community, as well as the frontline medical professionals who are treating survivors,” she said on X. “Tonight, we grieve with our community in Seattle as well as those around the country affected by gun violence and mass shootings.”
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay similarly said he was “horrified” by the violence.
“As someone who grew up in this community, I know what this event means to so many families, young people, and neighbors across our region,” he said in a statement. “For years, the Bite has been one of Seattle’s signature summer traditions. To see violence at a place that brings so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
Kayla Carris, 22, said she was sitting outside the Armory at the Bite of Seattle when people began to scream and run for cover inside the Seattle Center Armory.
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“Everyone was just throwing stuff and running,” Carris told The Seattle Times. “Like everyone.”
Todd Behrends, 59, said he heard what appeared to be several rounds of shots.
People began running and jumping over each other to escape, Behrends told the outlet. One woman fell, and someone stepped on her leg.
Behrends said he saw a woman on the ground and a man on a stretcher as he ran toward an exit.
Harborview Medical Center is on modified lockdown for the victims’ safety following the mass casualty incident, according to an email sent to staff, The Seattle Times reported.
The Seattle Center Monorail was also closed for the remainder of Sunday.
