In brief
On Sunday evening, gunfire broke out in the Space Needle lobby during Seattle’s popular Bite of Seattle food festival, killing three and leaving a toddler and others injured. Police allege a shoot‑out between two suspects, one now in custody while the other remains at large. The incident prompted a citywide half‑mast flag at the iconic Sky‑needle and swift statements from Mayor Katie Wilson and Governor Bob Ferguson condemning the violence.
At 6 p.m. local time Sunday, gunfire erupted inside the Seattle Center’s Space Needle lobby during the final day of the Bite of Seattle food festival, thrusting the crowd of 350,000 into chaos.
Three people were killed – a 19‑year‑old man, a 44‑year‑old man and a 56‑year‑old woman – and a second victim died later in hospital. A 2‑year‑old boy and several adults were injured.
The police report said two suspects were shooting each other; one arrestee is in custody and a second remains at large. The incident involved two firearms recovered at the scene.
Mayor Katie Wilson praised police responders and declared the event a “horrific act of violence.” Governor Bob Ferguson and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal echoed the call for compassion while urging swift investigation.
The Seattle Police Department continues to investigate. Meanwhile, the US flag atop the Space Needle was lowered to half‑mast and emergency services urged visitors to avoid the area.
