A shooting erupted at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening, leaving two people dead and five others wounded, according to the Seattle Fire Department. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. at the Seattle Center, a complex near the iconic Space Needle.
Details of the Incident
Police are investigating the shooting and have urged the public to avoid the area northwest of downtown. Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman Susan Gregg confirmed that four victims were admitted, including a toddler, a 23-year-old man, and two adult women. One patient remains in critical condition.
Witness Recounts Panic
Estan Wakonabo, a witness at the festival, told the Associated Press that he and his girlfriend were waiting in line for a photo booth when he was shoved from behind and saw a rush of fleeing people. 'People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling,' Wakonabo said. He heard 'pop, pop, pop' and realized it was a shooter. After escorting his girlfriend to safety, he returned to see multiple victims on the ground.
Festival Background
The Bite of Seattle festival, which began in 1982, attracts approximately 350,000 attendees over three days for food, drink, and community celebration, according to its website. This year's event was held over the weekend.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not yet released information on a suspect or motive. A large number of police and emergency crews responded to the scene and began evacuating the area. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
