Teen arrested after Seattle festival shooting kills 3 near Space Needle

Seattle police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with a shooting at a crowded food festival near the Space Needle that left three people dead and five others injured.

The attack unfolded on Sunday evening at the Bite of Seattle, an annual event drawing thousands of visitors. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted without warning.

Three dead, five wounded

Officials confirmed three victims died at the scene. Five more were rushed to nearby hospitals. Their conditions have not been disclosed.

The deceased have not been publicly identified. Authorities say they are notifying next of kin before releasing names.

Police say three shooters involved

Investigators believe three people opened fire. The arrested teenager is suspected of being one of them. Police have not said whether they have identified the other two shooters.

“This was not a random act of violence. It appears targeted, but we are still working to establish a motive,” a police spokesperson said. No details about what led to the shooting have been released.

Witnesses describe 'pure chaos'

Attendees described a sudden shift from celebration to terror. “It was pure chaos. One second people were eating, the next they were running for their lives,” a witness told local media.

Livestream footage from the event captured the moment shots rang out. People could be heard shouting “get down, get down” as they scrambled for cover. Tables and chairs were overturned as the crowd fled.

The festival was shut down immediately. Police cordoned off a large area around the Space Needle, a major tourist landmark, as they gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses.

Investigation ongoing

Officials have not confirmed whether the arrested teen used a firearm or what his relationship is to the other suspected shooters. The investigation is active, and police have urged anyone with video or information to come forward.

The arrest of a minor in connection with a mass casualty event has raised questions about juvenile justice procedures. Legal experts say the teenager could face charges as an adult, depending on the evidence.

Authorities have not provided a timeline for further arrests. The search for the other two suspects continues.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell called the shooting “a horrific act of violence” and promised a full investigation. He also said the city would review security protocols for future public events.

Meanwhile, a memorial has sprung up near the festival grounds. Community members have left flowers and notes, struggling to make sense of a tragedy that struck in a place meant for summer enjoyment.

What happens next hinges on whether police apprehend the remaining suspects and what evidence emerges about the motive. The arrest of a 15-year-old suggests the investigation may soon reveal more about how and why this attack unfolded.