Two people were killed and five others wounded in a shooting on Sunday evening during the Bite of Seattle food festival at the Seattle Center, near the Space Needle, according to a city fire department spokesperson. The annual festival, which started in 1982 and draws about 350,000 attendees over three days, was hosting its final day when gunfire erupted.
Victims and Hospital Response
Susan Gregg from Harborview Medical Center confirmed that the hospital admitted four victims, including a toddler, a 23-year-old man, and two adult women. One patient was reported to be in critical condition. Police urged the public to avoid the area as they investigated the scene.
Witness Account
Estan Wakonabo, a festival attendee, described the chaos: “People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling.” He said he heard “pop, pop, pop” and realized it was a shooter. After escorting his girlfriend to safety, he returned to find multiple victims on the ground.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet identified suspects or a motive. The Seattle Center complex was hosting the Bite of Seattle event, a popular food festival that began in 1982. The shooting has raised concerns about gun violence at public gatherings.
