Three Dead in Shooting at Seattle Center During Bite of Seattle Festival

Three people were killed in a shooting at the Seattle Center on Sunday as the annual Bite of Seattle food festival was concluding. Witnesses reported chaos as attendees fled the scene, with some describing the sound of gunfire as initially resembling firecrackers. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and federal agencies, including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which sent special agents to assist with the investigation.

Estan Wakonabo, who was at the festival with his girlfriend, recounted the moment the crowd began to panic, stating, “It was a stampede.” He described seeing multiple individuals on the ground, some with gunshot wounds, and estimated that he counted at least eight injured people. Paul Skinner, who was operating a food booth, noted that the initial sounds of gunfire led to a rapid evacuation as people sought cover.

Isaiah Flores Sanches, another festival-goer, expressed the stark contrast between the joyful atmosphere of the event and the horror that unfolded. “It went from something being so playful and so joyful to being something so horrific,” he said, recalling the frantic scene as people tried to protect themselves.

The Bite of Seattle festival, which draws over 350,000 attendees each year and offers free admission, was in its final hours when the shooting occurred. Organizers have not yet commented on the incident, but local officials emphasized the importance of community safety in the wake of the tragedy.

In response to the shooting, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell expressed condolences to the victims and their families during a news conference, thanking first responders and hospital staff for their efforts. He confirmed that police have arrested one suspect and are actively searching for another. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to secure federal resources to support the response.

The Seattle Center, known for its iconic structures like the Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena, has been a central hub for community events since the 1962 World’s Fair. This incident marks a significant disruption to what is typically a celebratory gathering for the city.

As the investigation continues, local authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, which has raised concerns about safety at public gatherings.