Police now believe three suspects were involved in the mass shooting at Seattle Center on Sunday. The incident resulted in three deaths and left four others injured. A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
According to the Associated Press, the document filed in a Seattle juvenile court indicates that one of the suspected shooters was among the deceased. Initially, police thought there were two gunmen, but the document suggests the 15-year-old and a deceased acquaintance may have engaged in a gunfight with another unknown suspect. A search is ongoing for the potential third shooter.
The Seattle Police Department had earlier urged residents to avoid the area. The teenager was booked into juvenile detention for firearms violations and first-degree assault. Despite an initial court appearance scheduled for Monday, the teenager waived the hearing. So far, no homicide charges have been filed.
Mayor Katie Wilson remarked, “We believe this teenager opened fire in the crowd, but details are still under investigation.” Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes noted that investigators suspect the gunfire outside the Seattle Center Armory was a result of a conflict between small opposing groups. This led to multiple bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Tragically, a 19-year-old man and a 44-year-old man died at the scene despite life-saving efforts. A 56-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. Among the injured were a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and a 40-year-old woman. The toddler was initially in stable condition and has been upgraded to satisfactory. Other victims either had minor injuries or have been discharged from the hospital.
Police are determining if a 27-year-old man who self-transported to a hospital might be the eighth victim of the shooting. His involvement remains unconfirmed. Harborview Medical Center spokesperson Susan Gregg confirmed injuries involving arms, abdomen, and legs. Emergency crews, including police, responded to Seattle Center shortly after 6 p.m., during the Bite of Seattle food festival weekend.
“Impacted families are experiencing the worst moment of their lives, and the community is grappling with the tragedy,” said Mayor Wilson. “No one should fear being shot while attending an event or gathering with friends.”
Governor Bob Ferguson expressed his condolences and confirmed that State Patrol SWAT officers assisted local police. “My prayers are with the victims’ families and the responders working to maintain safety,” stated the governor on social media.
Representative Pramila Jayapal voiced her horror at the incident. “My heart goes out to the victims and all those affected by this violence,” she commented. “I am grateful to officers and first responders protecting our community, as well as medical professionals treating survivors.”
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay called the violence “horrifying.” Known as a significant community event, the Bite of Seattle has long been a summer tradition. “Violence at such a gathering is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Zahilay remarked.
Witness accounts describe moments of panic. Kayla Carris, present at the event, recalled, “Everyone was just throwing stuff and running for cover.” Todd Behrends shared that he heard multiple gunshots, noting the chaos as people tried to escape.