Seattle Food Festival Shooting Leaves Three Dead as Police Hunt Second Suspect

Police in Seattle are searching for a second suspect after a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle left three people dead and four others injured, including a 2-year-old child.

Authorities said investigators believe two suspects exchanged gunfire during the crowded event on Sunday evening. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while the second fled and remains at large.

Three Killed, Four Injured in Festival Shooting

According to Seattle police, two victims died at the scene and a third later died at a local hospital.

The victims were identified only by age and gender as two men, ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman.

Four additional victims, including a 2-year-old boy, were hospitalized in stable condition. Police have not confirmed whether any of the victims were involved in the confrontation between the suspects.

Police Continue Search for Second Gunman

Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis said investigators believe the two suspects were firing at one another during the incident.

One suspect surrendered to officers at the scene, while the second escaped before police could make an arrest.

Authorities searched the surrounding Seattle Center grounds but had not located the outstanding suspect. Police said they do not currently believe there is an ongoing threat to the public, though the investigation remains active.

Panic Erupts During Bite of Seattle Festival

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. during the final hours of the annual Bite of Seattle festival, one of the city's largest public events.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as crowds ran for safety after hearing gunfire.

Some attendees sought shelter inside nearby buildings, including the Seattle Children's Museum, while vendors abandoned food stands and emergency crews evacuated sections of the festival grounds.

Several witnesses said they initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks before realizing an active shooting was unfolding.

Investigation Ongoing

Police continue gathering evidence and reviewing witness statements as they work to identify and locate the second suspect.

The Bite of Seattle, which began in 1982, typically attracts approximately 350,000 visitors over its three-day run, making it one of Seattle's largest annual community events.

Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the shooting to contact law enforcement as the investigation continues.