The major “Bite of Seattle” food festival was thrown into panic on Sunday evening when gunfire left two people dead and several others injured, including a 2-year-old child.
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The attack occurred at around 6:00 p.m. at Seattle Center, where the traditional three-day event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, was being held.
The Fire Department said two people were pronounced dead at the scene, while four injured people were taken to hospital. A woman was treated by medical teams at the scene but declined to be taken to hospital.
According to Harborview Medical Center, all those injured had suffered gunshot wounds. One woman is in critical condition, while the others sustained injuries to the arm, leg, abdomen and lower leg.
Seattle police have arrested a person suspected of involvement in the incident. Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that the suspect is in custody, while investigations continue to determine the motive for the attack.
Videos shared on social media show frightened visitors running from the scene as soon as the shooting began. Witnesses said they heard several bursts of gunfire, while police, ambulances, FBI agents and other security forces immediately responded to the area.
Describing the incident as “a horrific act of violence,” Mayor Wilson expressed her condolences to the victims’ families.
Following the shooting, Seattle Monorail service was suspended for the remainder of the day. Authorities also urged the public to stay away from the area until the investigation is complete.
Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows that the incident ranks among at least 271 mass shootings recorded in the United States this year.
