2 people are dead, 5 others injured after shooting at Seattle festival near Space Needle, reports say
Police in Seattle, Washington, said they are investigating a shooting incident with “multiple victims” after gunfire erupted Sunday at a food festival at an events complex close to the iconic Space Needle.
The Associated Press, CNN, and local new outlets in Seattle report that Seattle Fire Department said two people died at the scene; however, police, as of 12:50 a.m. ET Monday, hadn’t confirmed any deaths or if any individuals were in custody.
Related video above: Witness describes the scene
Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman Susan Gregg said the hospital on Sunday night admitted four victims, including a toddler, a 23-year-old man and two adult women. One patient was in critical condition, she said, according to the AP.
The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. at the Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle festival.
In a prepared statement released on the city’s website Sunday night, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson called the shooting “an act of horrific violence. Wilson initially said two people were taken into custody, but police hadn’t confirmed. A short time later, she changed her statement to say one person was taken into custody.
“I want to thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took a suspect into custody,” the mayor said in the corrected statement. “I also want to recognize Seattle firefighters and medical personnel at Harborview who are treating the injured, as well as Seattle Center and event staff and bystanders who helped people reach safety and provided aid in terrifying circumstances.”
Police were investigating the shooting and urged people to avoid the area just northwest of downtown.
Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, called the shooting a “tragedy,” and said he is receiving briefings on the ongoing response.
“The Washington State Patrol SWAT team is on the way to assist, at the request of the Seattle Police Department. Please continue to avoid the area. If you are in the area, please follow directions from law enforcement. My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” the governor said.
Police respond to a shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Seattle, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
The Seattle Center is described on its website as “an active civic, arts and family gathering place in the core of our region.” It is home to a number of attractions, including the Space Needle.
The Seattle Center was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend. The annual festival started in 1982 and draws 350,000 attendees over “three days of food, drink, and community celebration,” according to its website. It’s unclear if the shooting occurred at the festival.
Police respond to a shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Seattle, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
A large number of police and emergency crews responded and began evacuating the area around the sprawling Seattle Center events campus. Authorities have not said where exactly the shooting occurred at the event, which had outdoor and indoor areas.
Estan Wakonabo told the Associated Press that he and his girlfriend were at the festival waiting in line for a photo booth when he was shoved from behind and he turned to see a rush of people fleeing.
“People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling,” Wakonabo said, adding that was when he heard gunshots.
“Once I heard a ‘pop, pop, pop,’ that’s when I knew it was a shooter,” he said.
After he escorted his girlfriend to safety, he returned to the scene to make photos and saw multiple victims on the ground, Wakonabo said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report