Man with shotgun arrested near Seattle’s Space Needle ahead of New Year’s Eve fireworks

According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded around 7:20 p.m. on Dec. 31 after witnesses reported seeing a man seated on a bench near the Pacific Science Center holding what appeared to be a partially concealed shotgun. According to police, bystanders said the man was gripping the weapon in a way that raised concern as spectators began to fill the area ahead of the evening fireworks.

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Police working the event detail approached and detained the man without incident, officials said. He was described as wearing all black clothing and a red hat with “WAR” printed on it. Officers recovered the shotgun and later determined the man was also carrying a handgun. Police said he possessed a valid concealed pistol license, though the presence of the shotgun prompted the weapons investigation.

Detectives from the department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit responded to assist, and officers located the suspect’s vehicle nearby. Seattle’s Arson Bomb Squad conducted a sweep of the car to check for additional weapons or explosives, police said, but found none and determined the vehicle did not pose a threat. The man was booked into the King County Jail on suspicion of unlawful use of weapons, according to authorities. The Emergency Services Unit, which provides campus security for the Seattle Center, also issued him a one-year trespass warning.

Detectives later referred the case to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for review of potential charges.

Though the event was safe, fog spoiled the annual festivities, as many attendees couldn’t see the fireworks, and the drone show was cancelled.