Police in Seattle now suspect three individuals were involved in Sunday’s mass shooting at Seattle Center. The incident resulted in three deaths and four injuries. A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the event.
According to The Associated Press (AP), a court document in Seattle revealed that one of the suspected shooters was among the deceased. Initially, police believed two gunmen were involved. However, the document suggested the 15-year-old and an acquaintance, who was found dead at the scene, may have exchanged gunfire with another unidentified suspect. A manhunt is ongoing for this suspect.
Seattle Police have warned the public to avoid the area.
The 15-year-old was detained on suspicions of firearms violations and first-degree assault. Though scheduled for a court appearance on Monday, the teen waived the hearing. No charges of homicide have been filed against the minor.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said, “We believe this teenager shot into the crowd, but further investigation is ongoing.” Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes stated that a conflict between small groups led to the shooting near the Seattle Center Armory, catching multiple bystanders in the crossfire.
Officials confirmed that a 19-year-old and a 44-year-old man died at the scene despite emergency efforts. A 56-year-old woman later died in a hospital from critical injuries. Other victims included a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and a 40-year-old woman. The toddler, initially stable, has been upgraded to satisfactory condition, while others suffered minor injuries or have been discharged.
Authorities are investigating whether a 27-year-old man who went to the hospital himself was an eighth victim. His involvement is still uncertain. Harborview Medical Center reported injuries to the arm, abdomen, and legs of four patients. Emergency personnel arrived at Seattle Center shortly after 6 p.m. During the weekend, the venue hosted the Bite of Seattle food festival.
Mayor Wilson described the shooting as “an act of horrific violence.” She expressed empathy for affected families and the community grappling with how the event turned violent.
“Our primary duties are to support grieving families, care for the wounded, and provide clear and accurate information to the public,” Wilson stated.
Governor Bob Ferguson received updates and deployed State Patrol SWAT officers to assist Seattle Police. He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and praised the responders’ efforts.
Representative Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., expressed horror over the event and offered condolences to the victims and their families. She acknowledged the work of officers, first responders, and medical personnel dedicated to protecting the community and treating survivors.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, also horrified, recalled the deep significance of the Bite event for the community, calling the violence “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
Witnesses like Kayla Carris and Todd Behrends described the chaos during the event. Carris recounted people fleeing and screaming as shots were fired. Behrends, who heard multiple gunshots, saw people running and some falling while trying to escape.
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