BREAKING: 3 dead, 5 injured in shooting at Bite of Seattle event, 1 suspect in custody

The shooting occurred shortly after 6 pm near the Space Needle as thousands of people attended the annual food and entertainment festival.

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At approximately 6:30 pm, the Seattle Police Department warned, “Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center. More information to come. Please avoid the area.”

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At 7:47 pm, the Seattle Fire Department announced that two people had been pronounced dead at the scene after lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Four other patients were transported to Harborview Medical Center. A 39-year-old woman was reported in stable condition and transported by American Medical Response.

Paramedics transported three additional patients: a 2-year-old boy and a 23-year-old man, both listed in stable condition, and a 56-year-old woman in serious condition. Emergency crews also treated a 40-year-old woman who sustained minor injuries and declined transportation to a hospital. One victim later arrived at the University of Washington Medical Center later on.

According to Harborview Medical Center, all four patients it received suffered gunshot wounds, including injuries to the arm, leg, abdomen, and lower leg. One adult female patient was undergoing surgery and was listed in critical condition, while the other patients were in satisfactory condition.

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Witnesses described crowds running for safety as the shooting unfoRlded, with some attendees initially mistaking the gunfire for fireworks or another festival noise. Theatergoers and staff were held in the Pacific Science Center IMAX theater as law enforcement cleared the area. The Seattle Center was cleared and the Seattle Monorail service was suspended. According to SPD, the suspects were shooting at each other.

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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said police took two suspects into custody, then revised the statement to say only 1 person was in custody. “What happened at the Seattle Center today was an act of horrific violence,” Wilson said. “Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire.”

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“No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city,” the mayor added.

According to authorities, there were two guns recovered from the scene and the incident is believed to be a shootout between the suspects.

Wilson thanked the Seattle police officers who responded and took the suspect into custody, along with Seattle firefighters, Harborview medical personnel, Seattle Center and event staff, and bystanders who helped people escape and provided aid. “We know that many people who were not physically injured will carry what they experienced today for a long time,” Wilson said. “That includes witnesses, workers, first responders, and everyone waiting to learn whether someone they love is safe.”

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It is currently unknown if the city’s security cameras were turned on at the time of the shooting. Wilson ordered them turned off before the World Cup matches in Seattle, then had them turned back on during the tournament. After the tournament concluded, she announced they had been turned off around the stadiums, but it is unknown if they were active elsewhere in the city.

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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said the Washington State Patrol’s SWAT team was dispatched to assist Seattle police. “I’m receiving briefings regarding the ongoing response to the tragedy at the Seattle Center,” Ferguson said. “The Washington State Patrol SWAT team is on the way to assist, at the request of the Seattle Police Department.”

“My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” he added.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said he was “horrified” by the violence at one of Seattle’s signature summer events. “As someone who grew up in this community, I know what this event means to so many families, young people, and neighbors across our region,” Zahilay said. “For years the Bite has been one of Seattle’s signature summer traditions. To see violence at a place that brings so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”