Police have updated their investigation into Sunday’s mass shooting at Seattle Center, indicating that up to three suspects may have been involved. The tragic event resulted in three fatalities and left four others injured. A 15-year-old has been detained in connection with the violent incident.
One of the suspected shooters is reported to be among those killed during the shooting, according to the Associated Press. This information comes from a juvenile court document filed in Seattle. Previously, authorities believed there were two gunmen. The document now suggests that the 15-year-old, alongside another individual found deceased at the scene, might have been involved in a gunfight with at least one other unidentified suspect.
A manhunt is actively underway for the third suspect. Seattle Police have asked the public to avoid the area.
The 15-year-old suspect was recently booked into juvenile detention on allegations of firearms violations and first-degree assault. Although initially scheduled for a court appearance, the teen opted to waive this hearing. No homicide charges are currently filed against the adolescent.
Mayor Katie Wilson stated, “We believe this teenager opened fire in the crowd, but details are still under investigation.”
Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes reported that gunfire was exchanged outside the Seattle Center Armory. Several bystanders caught in the crossfire were injured.
Investigators believe the shooting originated from clashes between small groups. A 19-year-old man and a 44-year-old man were declared dead at the scene, in spite of efforts from first responders to save them. A 56-year-old woman, transported to a hospital in critical condition, also succumbed to her injuries.
The remaining individuals injured include a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and a 40-year-old woman. The toddler, initially in stable condition, is now reported to be in satisfactory condition. Others either suffered minor injuries or have been discharged from the hospital.
Police continue to investigate whether a 27-year-old man who self-reported to a hospital was an eighth victim. His involvement is yet to be confirmed.
Susan Gregg from Harborview Medical Center previously shared that four patients experienced injuries to their arms, abdomens, and legs. Emergency services started to reach Seattle Center shortly after 6 p.m.
The venue, which was celebrating the Bite of Seattle food festival, became the site of this violent disturbance.
Mayor Wilson called the shooting “an act of horrific violence.” She emphasized, “Impacted families are experiencing the worst moments of their lives, and a community is trying to make sense of a cultural event ending in violence.”
Governor Bob Ferguson has been briefed on the situation, and State Patrol SWAT officers are assisting Seattle Police. Governor Ferguson stated, “My prayers are with the victim’s families and the responders working to maintain safety.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal expressed her horror, saying, “My heart goes out to the victims and their families, impacted by the senseless violence.” She praised the officers, first responders, and medical professionals for their efforts.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay described the violence as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
Witnesses such as Kayla Carris, 22, and Todd Behrends, 59, recounted their experiences, illustrating the chaos as attendees scrambled for safety amidst gunfire.