Suspect in custody after shooting at Seattle festival leaves two dead, five injured
A mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival near the Space Needle on Sunday evening left at least two people dead and five others injured, including a two-year-old child. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced that one suspect has been taken into custody.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during the final hours of the festival. According to a spokesperson for the city's fire department, two people were declared dead at the scene, and at least five others were injured. Among the injured is a two-year-old boy whose condition is stable, and a 23-year-old man and two adult women who were taken to Harborview Medical Center. One person is in critical condition.
Mayor Katie Wilson initially stated that two suspects had been arrested but later corrected the statement to confirm that one suspect is in custody. She expressed gratitude to the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene.
The Bite of Seattle festival is an annual event that celebrates local businesses and food vendors. This year's festival took place at the Seattle Center, a cultural and event district near the Space Needle, a popular tourist attraction. The festival, which was first held in 1982, typically attracts around 350,000 visitors over three days.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as shots rang out. Estan Wakonabo, who was at the festival with his girlfriend, told the Associated Press that he was pushed from behind and saw a crowd of people fleeing in panic. "People were seeking shelter, pushing, falling to the ground, strollers tipping over," Wakonabo said. Another witness, Roberto Ramirez, a vendor at the festival, reported hearing what he thought were firecrackers, followed by people shouting "shooter, shooter."
The Seattle Center is a hub for cultural and community events and is located in the heart of the city. The shooting has left the community in shock, with Mayor Wilson acknowledging the impact on the families of the victims and the broader community.
Police have cordoned off the area and are investigating the circumstances of the shooting. Authorities have not yet released information about the motive or the identity of the suspect in custody.
The Bite of Seattle festival has been a staple of the city's summer events for decades, drawing visitors from across the region to sample local cuisine and enjoy live entertainment. The incident has raised concerns about safety at public events and the prevalence of gun violence in the United States.
As of Monday morning, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community is coming to terms with the tragedy, and local officials are working to provide support to those affected by the shooting.
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