Shooting at the Bite of Seattle Festival
The attack occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2026 around 6:00 p.m. local time, near the iconic Space Needle during the traditional Bite of Seattle food festival.
According to local authorities and international media such as CNN and La Nación, the shooting began when two individuals started firing at each other in the middle of the crowd, causing panic and chaos as attendees fled in all directions.
Fatalities and Injuries
| Condition | Victims | Health Status |
|---|---|---|
| Deceased | Two men (18 and 44 years old) and one woman (56 years old) | Two died at the scene, one at the hospital |
| Injured | A 2-year-old child | Hospitalized in satisfactory condition |
| Injured | A 23-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman | Discharged from medical care |
| Injured | A 27-year-old man | Discharged from medical care |
The victims were taken to Harborview Medical Center and UW Medical Center – Montlake. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released by Washington state authorities.
The Arrested Suspect and Investigation
In a press conference, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed the arrest of a 15-year-old teenager as the alleged perpetrator. The minor is being held at a juvenile detention center and is under investigation for assault and weapons possession.
Seattle Police Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis explained that investigators believe two people were shooting at each other. Although initial reports mentioned two arrests, authorities clarified that the second suspect remains at large and a search is ongoing. For now, there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Panic at Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is a 74-acre campus that houses the Space Needle and welcomes over 12 million visitors annually. The Bite of Seattle festival, which has been held since 1982, typically draws around 350,000 people over its three days of food, music, and outdoor entertainment.
Witnesses described the confusion and terror. Justice Beitzel, who was dining with friends near a stage, heard 'six or seven' gunshots before seeing the crowd rush toward them. A food vendor captured the moment in a live stream where gunshots can be heard in the background as people duck and break through a fence to escape.
After the incident, a large operation was deployed involving police, the FBI, and a SWAT team from Washington state. The venue was evacuated, and the monorail remained closed until Monday, July 27. On Monday night, a candlelight vigil was held at the Seattle Center International Fountain to honor the victims.