Witnesses reported hearing seven to eight gunshots before crowds fled the venue in panic. Authorities have yet to announce arrests or identify a motive as the investigation continues.
Representative image | Xinhua via IANS
Several people were injured after gunfire erupted at Seattle Center during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday night, prompting a major police response and forcing authorities to secure the area.
Police confirmed that multiple people had been shot but did not immediately disclose the number of victims or provide details about their conditions. Officials also withheld information on possible suspects and said the investigation remained ongoing.
Advertisement
In a post on X, the Seattle Police Department said officers were responding to a shooting involving multiple victims.
Advertisement
“Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center. More information to come. Please avoid the area,” the department said.
Emergency personnel rushed to the scene as visitors fled the venue following the gunfire.
According to CNN, citing affiliate KOMO, witnesses attending the festival reported hearing seven to eight gunshots before crowds began running in different directions.
The annual Bite of Seattle festival was being held at Seattle Center over the weekend. The event features local food vendors and live music and attracts large crowds every year.
CNN also reported that Harborview Medical Center was preparing to receive patients injured in the shooting.
Shortly after the incident, the Seattle Center Monorail announced that services would remain suspended for the rest of the day and would resume on Monday morning.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or disclosed a possible motive behind the shooting.
Seattle Center, one of the city’s best-known public venues, houses attractions including the Climate Pledge Arena and the Space Needle.
Further details are awaited as investigators continue to examine the incident.
Advertisement
