Seattle police continued their search on Monday for a second suspect involved in a shooting at a crowded food festival near the Space Needle. Three individuals were killed, including two men ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman. Four others, including a toddler, sustained injuries and are in stable condition.
The chaos erupted during the Bite of Seattle festival on Sunday evening, which is a popular three-day event featuring a variety of food and retail vendors. Authorities believe the two suspects exchanged gunfire, with one suspect already in custody and the other remaining at large. Despite the ongoing investigation, Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis assured the public that there was no continuing threat.
Investigators revealed that one suspect was seen firing by officers at the scene. This suspect surrendered, but the other managed to flee. Several officers who were providing security immediately secured the area, evacuating the Seattle Center where the festival takes place.
The gunfire caused panic, leading vendors and attendees to bolt for safety. Faith Adia Hunter recounted how she and her friends fled to the Seattle Children’s Museum for shelter as shots were fired.
Vendor Roberto Ramirez described the scene, noting the initial sounds resembled firecrackers before the confusion turned into shouts of “shooter.” The abrupt emptiness of the festival area mirrored the severity of the situation.
Attendees like Estan Wakonabo experienced the chaos firsthand, as people began falling and baby strollers overturned. After ensuring his girlfriend’s safety, Wakonabo returned to capture images of the victims and witnessed the aftermath of the gunfire.
The Bite of Seattle, attracting 350,000 attendees annually since its inception in 1982, became a site of tragedy this year.