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Two Dead, Five Wounded in Shooting at Seattle Center Food Festival; Manhunt Underway
EM
Emma Wilson
3 weeks ago
A violent shooting erupted at a crowded food festival in Seattle Center on Sunday evening, leaving two people dead and five others injured. The attack sent panicked attendees scrambling for cover as gunfire rang out near the International Fountain area, where thousands had gathered for the annual Bite of Seattle event. Police have launched an intensive manhunt for at least one suspect who fled the scene amid the chaos, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information.According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded to multiple 911 calls just after 7 p.m. reporting shots fired. Upon arrival, they found seven victims with gunshot wounds. Two victims, a 34-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, were pronounced dead at the scene. The five wounded individuals, ranging in age from 19 to 45, were transported to Harborview Medical Center, where three remain in critical condition and two are listed as stable. Police have not yet released a motive, but investigators are examining surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to identify the shooter or shooters.The Bite of Seattle, a three-day festival that draws over 600,000 visitors annually, was immediately shut down following the incident. Festival organizers expressed shock and grief, stating in a press release that they are cooperating fully with law enforcement. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell addressed the media late Sunday night, calling the shooting “a senseless act of violence that has no place in our city.” He announced increased police presence in public spaces and pledged resources to support the victims’ families and the broader community.This tragedy adds to a troubling pattern of mass shootings at public events across the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 350 mass shootings in the country so far this year, with incidents occurring at schools, churches, shopping centers, and now food festivals. The Seattle Center shooting is the deadliest in the city since a 2022 attack at a downtown bus stop left three dead. Community leaders and advocacy groups have renewed calls for stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and red flag laws, though such proposals remain deeply divisive in Washington State and nationally.Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed whether the suspect acted alone or with accomplices. The FBI has joined the investigation, offering forensic and analytical support. Police have released a description of a person of interest: a male believed to be in his late 20s, wearing a dark hoodie and jeans, last seen running toward the Seattle Center Monorail station. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest. The Seattle Police Department has set up a dedicated tip line and is urging anyone with dashcam or cellphone footage from the area to come forward.As the manhunt continues, the city of Seattle is grappling with grief and fear. Vigils are being planned at several community centers, and counseling services have been made available for those affected. The Bite of Seattle organizers have announced that all proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to victim support funds. Meanwhile, the broader conversation about public safety at large gatherings has intensified, with event planners across the region reviewing security protocols. The coming days will be critical as investigators work to bring the perpetrator to justice and as the community begins the long process of healing.
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