Seattle, July 27: A festive evening at Seattle’s renowned Bite of Seattle food festival ended in tragedy after a shooting claimed the lives of two people and injured five others, including a two year old child. The incident unfolded on Sunday evening near the iconic Space Needle, sending hundreds of festival-goers fleeing in panic and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
According to the Seattle Fire Department, gunfire broke out around 6 p.m. during the final hours of the three-day event, one of the city’s largest annual food festivals. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after multiple reports of shots being fired within the crowded festival grounds.
Fire department spokesperson Grace Nunez confirmed that two victims died at the scene. Five injured individuals were transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.
Among those hospitalised was a 56 year old woman listed in serious condition. Officials said a two year old boy, a 23 year old man and a 39-year-old woman were in stable condition, while a 40 year old woman suffered minor injuries.
Authorities immediately evacuated portions of the Seattle Center campus as police officers and emergency personnel secured the area. Investigators have not disclosed the exact location within the festival where the shooting occurred, and no immediate information was released regarding a suspect or possible arrests.
Seattle police urged residents and visitors to stay away from the area while investigators examined the crime scene and collected evidence.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said he was being regularly briefed on the situation and confirmed that State Patrol SWAT officers had been deployed to assist local law enforcement.
“My prayers are with the families of the victims and the first responders working to keep everyone safe,” Ferguson said in a statement.
Witnesses described scenes of fear and confusion as people rushed to escape moments after the gunfire began.
Festival attendee Faith Adia Hunter said she had just purchased food with friends when the shooting started nearby.
“We were right next to where it happened, so we immediately ran,” she recalled, adding that they sought refuge inside the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum along with dozens of other people.
Another witness, Roberto Ramirez, who was operating a food stall, initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks before hearing people shout that there was an active shooter.
“Within seconds, everyone was running. The entire area emptied almost instantly,” Ramirez said, describing the panic among vendors and visitors.
He added that many food vendors abandoned their stalls and equipment as they fled. Even hours after the incident, several remained outside police barricades waiting for permission to retrieve their belongings.
Festival-goer Estan Wakonabo said he and his girlfriend were waiting for a photo booth when crowds suddenly began pushing toward the exits.
“People were falling, baby strollers tipped over, and everyone was trying to get away,” he said. “When I heard several loud pops, I realised it was gunfire.”
After escorting his girlfriend to safety, Wakonabo returned and saw multiple victims lying on the ground while emergency crews provided medical assistance.
The Bite of Seattle, first held in 1982, attracts nearly 350,000 visitors every year and is regarded as one of the city’s largest community celebrations, featuring hundreds of food vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are appealing to witnesses to provide any information or video footage that may assist in identifying those responsible. The incident has once again renewed concerns over public safety at large gatherings in the United States.