Two people have been killed and five injured after a gunman opened fire at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the city's iconic Space Needle. Reports of the attack emerged at around 3:30am UK time on Monday.
Victims and Injuries
The BBC reported two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Five others were injured, including a 56-year-old woman who is in hospital in a serious condition. A two-year-old boy, a 39-year-old woman, and a 23-year-old man were hospitalised in a stable condition. A 40-year-old woman suffered minor injuries but declined transport to hospital, fire chiefs said.
Arrests and Official Response
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced two people had been arrested shortly before 5:30am UK time. She said: "I want to thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took two suspects into custody. 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." She added: "Tonight, our attention belongs to the people whose lives were taken, those fighting to recover, and the families beside them. Seattle grieves with you, and we will stand with you in the difficult days ahead." The identities of those arrested have not been disclosed.
Ongoing Investigation
Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said on X: "We are monitoring closely information from the shooting that took place at the Seattle Center this evening. We are in close touch with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Governor Bob Ferguson, and coordinating across multiple levels of government to get updates on the situation. We are grateful to law enforcement at Seattle Police Department and first responders who are at the scene and working hard. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this senseless violence. We ask that the public please stay away from the Seattle Center as there is still an active investigation happening at this time. We will provide updates as we have additional information." The developing situation is being monitored closely.
