A 15-year-old boy was taken into custody as police continue to search for a second suspect after a mass shooting at the Seattle Center resulted in three deaths and four injuries. According to Mayor Katie Wilson, police are still investigating the details of the incident.
“We believe this teenager opened fire in the crowd, but details are still under investigation,” Wilson stated. The teenager has not faced homicide charges yet but was booked on suspicion of firearms violations and first-degree assault. His initial court appearance was scheduled for Monday.
Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes mentioned that two individuals exchanged gunfire outside the Seattle Center Armory. This resulted in multiple bystanders being caught in the crossfire. The police urged people to stay clear of the area.
The shooting seemed to involve a conflict between two small opposing groups. An active search is ongoing for the second suspect. Authorities noted the possibility that one of the deceased may have been the second gunman, but this remains unconfirmed.
Multiple people were injured after a floatplane made an emergency landing and caught fire off the Washington Coast.
The tragedy resulted in the deaths of a 19-year-old man and a 44-year-old man at the scene. Despite efforts from first responders, they could not be saved. A 56-year-old woman was also critically wounded and later died at a hospital. Among the additional injured were a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and a 40-year-old woman. While initially in stable condition, the toddler’s status has since improved to satisfactory. The other injured parties have either sustained minor injuries or have been discharged from medical care.
There is also an investigation to determine if a 27-year-old man who self-reported to a hospital was an eighth victim, but his involvement is not confirmed yet. Harborview Medical Center spokesperson Susan Gregg reported injuries to four people affected areas such as the arm, abdomen, and legs.
Mayor Wilson condemned the shooting as “an act of horrific violence” and called attention to the impact on affected families, who now face heartbreaking situations. She expressed how deeply the event has affected the community, which was gathered for a cultural and joyous event like the Bite of Seattle food festival.
“Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public,” the mayor emphasized.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson received updates and deployed State Patrol SWAT officers to assist the Seattle Police. “My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” the governor shared on social media.
Police and emergency personnel arrived at Seattle Center shortly after 6 p.m., as the Bite of Seattle festival took place, resulting in increased public focus.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal expressed her shock at the violence and commended officers, first responders, and medical professionals for protecting the community. “Tonight, we grieve with our community in Seattle as well as those around the country affected by gun violence and mass shootings,” she stated.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay echoed similar sentiments, calling the event heart-wrenching and unacceptable. He recognized the Bite as an integral Seattle tradition that sadly witnessed violence.
Witness Kayla Carris, 22, was at the Bite of Seattle when panic ensued as shots rang out. “Everyone was just throwing stuff and running,” Carris told The Seattle Times.
Another witness, Todd Behrends, 59, heard several gunshots and described the chaotic scene of people fleeing and jumping over each other. He recounted seeing a woman fall and another person stepping on her leg in the rush to escape.
Seattle police, along with emergency services, faced the grim scene as they worked to manage the aftermath of the tragic event.
