Seattle festival shooting: 1 arrested, 1 sought after 3 killed
- One suspect is in custody, another is being sought by police.
- Three people were killed and four were injured in the shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival.
- The incident was partially captured on a livestream, with attendees described the scene as 'pure chaos'.
- Authorities have not yet released a motive or the identities of the victims or suspects.
Seattle police have arrested one person and are actively searching for a second suspect following a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival that left three people dead and four others wounded. The attack unfolded on Sunday evening, sending hundreds of attendees fleeing for cover.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire at the Seattle Center around 8:15 pm local time. Witnesses described a sudden burst of shots that tore through the crowd. A livestream captured the moment, with a voice heard shouting 'Get down, get down' as panicked festival-goers scrambled for safety.
Chaos at a crowded food festival
The Bite of Seattle is a popular annual event drawing thousands to sample food from local vendors. Sunday evening was no different. The festival grounds were packed when the shooting began.
Attendees described 'pure chaos' as the sound of gunfire replaced the usual festival music. Many ran, knocked over tables and chairs, and sought cover behind food stalls. One witness told local media that people were trampled in the rush to escape.
Medical teams treated the wounded on-site before rushing them to nearby hospitals. Four people were hospitalised with injuries. The Seattle Fire Department confirmed three people were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police investigation ongoing
The Seattle Police Department has not released the identities of the victims or the suspects. Officials have not yet confirmed a motive for the shooting. Investigators are processing the scene and reviewing the livestream footage along with other security camera recordings.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward. They have not specified whether the two suspects knew each other or if the shooting was a targeted attack. 'We are following all leads,' a police spokesperson said in a brief statement.
The arrest was made a few hours after the incident. Police have not disclosed the charges. The search for the second suspect continues.
Broader context
The shooting adds to a grim tally of mass shootings in the United States. While such incidents have become tragically common, the setting of a family-friendly food festival has shaken the local community. The Bite of Seattle has been a staple of the city's summer calendar for decades.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell called the shooting 'a senseless act of violence' in a social media post. He promised a full investigation and said the city would provide support for victims and their families.
The festival has been cancelled for the remainder of the weekend. Organisers have not announced whether future editions will proceed as planned.
What to watch for now: Police are expected to release the names of the victims and the arrested suspect in the coming hours. The manhunt for the second suspect remains the immediate priority for law enforcement. The incident will likely reignite debates around gun control and public safety at large public gatherings in the city.