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One suspect was detained and police were searching for a second suspect after three people were killed and four others were injured Sunday in a mass shooting at Seattle Center, according to Mayor Katie Wilson and police.
Wilson called the shooting “a horrific act of violence.”
“The affected families are experiencing the worst time of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection and joy ended in shootings,” Wilson said in a statement. “No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, meeting friends or experiencing their city.”
Police and emergency crews began arriving at the center shortly after 6 p.m. The venue hosted the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend.
MULTIPLE INJURED AFTER FLOAT MAKES AN EMERGENCY LANDING AND FIRE OFF THE WASHINGTON COAST
Seattle police urged people to avoid the area. (KCPQ)
“Please avoid the area,” Seattle police wrote in X.
Police said one suspect has been arrested and they are searching for another. Investigators believe the two were shooting at each other and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Seattle Fire Department said two people were pronounced dead at the scene after attempting to perform life-saving procedures.
Three other victims, including a 2-year-old child, were transported to a hospital in stable condition, while a fourth victim was taken to the hospital in serious condition, the fire department said, adding that a fifth victim with minor injuries refused to be transported by first responders.
But authorities have since updated the death toll to three without specifying the last victim.
Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman Susan Gregg said the four patients' injuries involved an arm, abdomen and legs.
“Our first responsibilities are to support grieving families, care for the injured and provide clear and accurate information to the public,” the mayor said.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he was receiving reports and SWAT officers from the State Patrol responded to the scene to assist Seattle police. He also urged residents to avoid the area and follow the instructions of authorities.
“My prayers are with the families of the victims and with first responders as they work to keep people safe,” the governor said in X.
Police and emergency crews began arriving at Seattle Center shortly after 6 p.m. The venue was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend. (KCPQ)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Seattle Police Department for additional information.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said she was “absolutely horrified” by the shooting.
My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and to all those affected by this senseless violence.
“I am grateful to the officers and first responders who are on the scene and working to protect our community, as well as the frontline medical professionals who are treating survivors,” she said on X. “Tonight, we grieve with our community in Seattle, as well as those across the country affected by gun violence and mass shootings.”
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay similarly said he was “horrified” by the violence.
“As someone who grew up in this community, I know what this event means to so many families, young people and neighbors in our region,” he said in a statement. “For years, the Bite has been one of Seattle's signature summer traditions. Seeing violence in a place that brings so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
Kayla Carris, 22, said she was sitting outside the Armory at Bite of Seattle when people started screaming and running for cover inside the Seattle Center Armory.
SEATTLE FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO 3 ALARM INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT WAREHOUSE FIRE, ROOF PARTIALLY COLLAPSES
Three people were pronounced dead at the scene. (KCPQ)
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“Everyone was throwing things and running,” Carris told the Seattle Times. “Like everyone.”
Todd Behrends, 59, said he heard what appeared to be several rounds of gunshots.
People began running and jumping over each other to escape, Behrends told the outlet. A woman fell and someone stepped on her leg.
Behrends said he saw a woman on the ground and a man on a stretcher as he ran toward an exit.
Harborview Medical Center is under modified lockdown for victim safety following the mass casualty incident, according to an email sent to staff, The Seattle Times reported.
The Seattle Center monorail was also closed for the rest of Sunday.
