Police believe at least 3 suspects involved in deadly Seattle festival shooting

Investigators in Washington state now believe at least three suspects were involved in a deadly mass shooting at a popular food festival near Seattle's Space Needle, a development that expands the scope of an ongoing manhunt. According to CBC reporting on juvenile court documents, the violence erupted during the waning hours of the Bite of Seattle event at the Seattle Center.

The gunfire broke out around 6 p.m. local time on Sunday in the shadow of the landmark tower, plunging a sprawling park packed with food and retail vendors into immediate chaos. Hundreds of panicked attendees scrambled for safety, with many running into campus buildings, the Seattle Children's Museum, or fleeing the grounds entirely as a stampede formed.

Court documents reveal that investigators believe a 15-year-old suspect and an acquaintance who died at the scene engaged in a gunfight with at least one other unknown individual. Yahoo News noted that authorities recovered two guns from the area.

The violence left three people dead. Two men, aged 19 and 44, were pronounced dead at the scene, while a 56-year-old woman later died at the hospital. At least four other individuals sustained gunshot wounds, including a two-year-old boy who was with his mother and remained hospitalized in satisfactory condition. Several other victims, including men aged 23 and 27 alongside a 39-year-old woman, were treated and subsequently discharged.

The 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody immediately following the incident without police weapons being discharged, Yahoo News reported. The teenager was booked into the juvenile justice system for investigation of firearms violations and first-degree assault. However, the teen did not appear for a scheduled initial appearance in juvenile court, and officials did not immediately provide a reason for the absence.

Official Communication and Public Scrutiny

The investigation has also drawn scrutiny over how city officials communicated information during the unfolding emergency. According to Cbc, the Seattle Police Department waited five hours before informing the public that one suspect was in custody and another was at large, while Mayor Katie Wilson initially and incorrectly announced that two people had been detained. Police Chief Shon Barnes was out of town attending a conference in Dallas when the shooting occurred.

Both the mayor and police chief defended their handling of the situation during a Monday press conference, stating they prioritized verifying facts amid chaotic circumstances. Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis confirmed that two people appeared to exchange gunfire, while authorities maintained that no immediate threat to the general public remained.

Impact and Community Response

The aftermath of the shooting prompted widespread closures across the cultural campus. The Seattle Center Armory, the Pacific Science Center, and festival vendor areas experienced disruptions and temporary closures as forensic crews processed the scene. Vendors were later escorted back onto the grounds by police to shut down ovens and grills left abandoned during the evacuation.

• Victims: Three dead, including two men ages 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman.
• Injured: At least four wounded, including a two-year-old toddler.
• Suspect Status: One 15-year-old detained; one suspect confirmed dead at the scene; a third unknown suspect actively sought by police.

In response to the manhunt, the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of any outstanding suspects. Authorities urged witnesses to contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line to assist with the ongoing World coverage of the investigation.