Three dead and several injured in shooting at food festival near Seattle's Space Needle

What the report says

BBC World News reports that three people were killed and several more were hurt after gunfire broke out Sunday evening at Seattle Center, near the Space Needle, while the site was hosting the annual Bite of Seattle food festival. City officials said shots were fired at about 18:00 local time. The Seattle Fire Department said two victims died at the scene and a third later died in hospital.

According to the BBC, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said one suspect had been detained. Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis said another suspect left the area and had not yet been caught, and investigators believe the two suspects may have been firing at one another. Officials said the wounded included a two-year-old boy. Four injured people were transported to hospital in stable condition, while one person declined hospital treatment.

Video cited by the BBC showed people sheltering inside the Space Needle during the incident, including visitors crouching in the lobby and hiding behind pillars and merchandise displays. Police said the investigation was continuing and asked the public to stay away from the area.

Local and state officials condemned the shooting. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said his prayers were with victims’ families and emergency responders, while Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said officials were coordinating across levels of government. Wilson described the attack as horrific violence and said the city was grieving with those affected. The shooting disrupted a major public festival centered on food, culture and community at one of Seattle’s best-known landmarks.