Shootout at Seattle food festival kills 3; police arrest suspect and search for another

Three people died and four others sustained injuries following a shootout at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday night. Local police report that the incident occurred between two gunmen at the event held at the Seattle Center. Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis stated that officers encountered the suspects at the scene. One individual is in custody for questioning, while investigators continue to look for the second person involved in the altercation.

The victims include a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man, and a 56-year-old woman. Medical staff at Harborview Medical Center confirmed that the injured patients, which include a toddler, are currently in stable or satisfactory condition. Another individual sought treatment at the University of Washington Medical Center. Authorities recovered two firearms from the area.

Witnesses described a scene of immediate panic as crowds fled the festival grounds. Paul Skinner, a vendor at the event, stated that initial sounds resembled firecrackers before the crowd began to move in mass to take cover. Mayor Katie Wilson expressed concern for the victims and acknowledged the support provided by first responders and bystanders during the emergency.

The Seattle office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting local law enforcement with the investigation. Officials stated that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. The festival, which draws thousands of attendees annually, was ending its final day when the violence began.