At least two people were killed and five were wounded in a mass shooting at a bustling Seattle food festival on Sunday evening — sending massive crowds running from a hail of bullets, according to local authorities and witnesses.
Several shots rang out at the Seattle Center, which was hosting the popular Bite of Seattle food festival, around 6 p.m. local time and a suspect was later taken into custody, according to cops and the Seattle Times.
The shooting took place at Seattle Center, where thousands were attending the Bite of Seattle food festival. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
Two people were killed in the shooting, and at least five — including a toddler — were injured, the Seattle Fire Department told the outlet. One suspect was taken into custody, Mayor Katie Wilson announced about three hours after the gunfire broke out.
A 2-year-old boy, 23-year-old man, 39-year-old woman, 40-year-old woman and 56-year-old woman were all wounded in the shooting, according to fire department officials.
The oldest of the victims is in critical condition and undergoing surgery at Harborview Medical Center, a hospital spokesperson told the Times. The 2-year-old, 23-year-old and 39-year-old are in stable condition at the same hospital, while the 40-year-old victim was treated at the scene of the shooting.
Details about the two dead were not immediately available.
Attendee Estain Wakonabo, 25, said that crowds of people began trampling over each other while fleeing the gunfire at the packed event. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
Thousands were in attendance when shots rang out. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
“Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire,” Mayor Wilson said in a statement.
“No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city. Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public.”
The Seattle Police Department had earlier confirmed “multiple victims” were shot in the chaos.
Police respond to a shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival on July 26, 2026. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
Attendee Estain Wakonabo, 25, told the publication that crowds of people began trampling over each other while fleeing the gunfire at the packed event — which draws thousands of people each year.
“It was just pure chaos,” he said.
After returning to the scene to try to take photos, he said he saw several gunshot victims on the ground and a body covered with a yellow sheet.
Police urged residents to avoid the area surrounding the Seattle Center, located near the Space Needle, while investigation efforts remain ongoing. KOMO News
Officers patrol Seattle Center after the shooting. Nick Wagner/The Seattle Times via AP
A live YouTube video filmed by a food vendor at the event, Hawaiian Honey Cones, captured the moment loud pops of bullets rang out.
“Shooting, shooting!” someone yelled as one blast sounded off, causing vendor Christopher Monterroso to hurriedly turn his head toward the feeling crowd while still holding a honey cone.
“Shooting, oh sh-t. Oh sh-t right here,” Monterroso said as he screamed at staff to get down.
Several people were seen leaping from behind a barricade and grabbing onto their loved ones’ hands as they sprinted away from the sound of gunfire.
Police urged residents to avoid the area surrounding the Seattle Center, located near the Space Needle, while investigation efforts remain ongoing.
An investigation remains ongoing.