A Seattle festival shooting turned a crowded food celebration into panic near the city’s Space Needle.
Two people were killed and five others were injured Sunday evening after gunfire erupted at the Bite of Seattle food festival at Seattle Center.
The shooting happened around 6 p.m. local time during the final hours of the popular weekend event, according to Seattle fire officials cited by the Associated Press.
Authorities said a child was among the injured. Harborview Medical Center received several victims, including a toddler, a 23-year-old man and two adult women.
Gunfire Broke Out During a Crowded Festival
The shooting happened at Seattle Center, the major events complex near the Space Needle.
Police urged people to avoid the area as officers and emergency crews responded. Witnesses described people running, hiding and trying to protect children as the crowd scattered.
Estan Wakonabo said he and his girlfriend were waiting in line for a photo booth when people suddenly began pushing past them. He said he then heard gunshots and knew there was a shooter.
The Associated Press reported that one suspect was taken into custody after the shooting. Read the AP report here: Associated Press report on the Seattle festival shooting.
A Toddler Was Among Those Taken to the Hospital
Harborview Medical Center said four victims were admitted after the shooting, according to local and national reports.
The patients included a toddler, a 23-year-old man and two adult women. One patient was listed in critical condition.
Reuters reported that the shooting left two people dead and five injured, including a 2-year-old child. Read Reuters’ report here: Reuters report on the Seattle shooting.
Officials had not released the names of the victims as of the latest reports.
Police Flooded the Area
A large police and fire response followed the first reports of gunfire.
Officers evacuated parts of the festival area and worked to move people away from danger. Washington State Patrol SWAT units also responded, according to AP.
Seattle police said investigators were working to determine what led to the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released a motive.
Bite of Seattle Is One of the City’s Biggest Events
Bite of Seattle is one of Seattle’s largest free admission festivals.
The event’s official website says the 2026 festival ran from July 24 to July 26 at Seattle Center. It featured food vendors, live music, entertainment and community events.
The festival has been a Seattle tradition since 1982 and draws hundreds of thousands of people over three days.
More information about the event is available through the official Bite of Seattle website.
City Leaders Condemn the Violence
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson condemned the shooting and said the violence shook families and the broader community, according to Reuters.
She said people should be able to attend public events without fear of gunfire.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson also expressed condolences after the shooting and said the state would support local officials.
The attack turned a food and culture celebration into a crime scene just before the weekend event was set to close.
A Celebration Ends in Fear
The shooting has left Seattle asking how violence reached one of its most visible public spaces.
Families had come to Seattle Center for food, music and a summer community event. Within minutes, they were running for cover near one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
For the victims and their families, the event will no longer be remembered as a festival. It will be remembered as the night a public celebration became a scene of grief, fear and unanswered questions.