15-year-old shot into Seattle food festival crowd during deadly gunfight, prosecutors allege

A 15-year-old suspect remains in juvenile detention following a violent confrontation at the Bite of Seattle food festival. This incident resulted in three deaths and left four others with injuries. Prosecutors state the shooting involved an exchange of gunfire between two groups, noting the event may be gang-related. A 19-year-old man who died at the scene has been identified as an associate of the suspect, and police continue their search for a potential third individual involved in the exchange.

The shooting occurred Sunday night near the Seattle Center Armory. A police officer stationed nearby observed the teenage suspect firing a handgun into the crowd. Court documents indicate that victims, including a young child, were found in the path of the gunfire. The child is currently in stable condition and has been discharged from the hospital. Other victims were identified as a 56-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man.

Attendees described the confusion during the event, with many initially mistaking the gunshots for firecrackers. Footage from the scene shows crowds fleeing the area as officers responded to the disturbance. Local food vendors witnessed the chaos, reporting that visitors abandoned personal items and stalls as they sought safety away from the firing. The investigation is ongoing as officials review security footage and process evidence collected from the site.

Mayor Katie Wilson addressed the public on Monday, confirming that authorities are analyzing bullet casings and following tips to construct a factual account of the events. Prosecutors are currently awaiting the final police investigation reports to determine formal charges against the 15-year-old, who has no prior criminal history in King County. The legal proceedings will move forward once these details are reviewed later this week.