Three people lost their lives and several others were injured in a shooting during a food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle on Sunday, according to the city’s fire department.
The gunfire broke out around 6pm local time at the Seattle Centre, where the annual Bite of Seattle festival was taking place over the weekend, reports BBC.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said one suspect had been arrested following the incident.
However, Assistant Chief of Seattle Police Tyrone Davis said another suspect fled and remains at large. Police believe the two suspects were firing at one another.
Officials confirmed that two victims died at the scene, while a third later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Among those hurt was a two-year-old boy.
Footage circulating on social media showed frightened visitors seeking shelter inside the Space Needle.
People were seen crouching behind pillars and display shelves in the building’s lobby as the shooting unfolded.
The Seattle Police Department said the investigation is continuing and advised the public to stay away from the area.
Wilson said in a statement that she wanted to “thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took a suspect into custody”.
Earlier, the mayor had stated that two suspects had been arrested, but later revised her statement on Sunday evening.
The fire department said four injured people were admitted to hospital in stable condition, while another declined medical treatment.
Political leaders from Seattle and Washington state denounced the incident, describing it as an act of “senseless violence”.
“My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said on social media.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle, added, “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this senseless violence,” she wrote on social media.
“We are in close touch with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Governor Bob Ferguson, and co-ordinating across multiple levels of government to get updates on the situation.”
Wilson also condemned the shooting as an “act of horrific violence”.
“Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire.”
“Tonight, our attention belongs to the people whose lives were taken, those fighting to recover, and the families beside them,” she added.
“Seattle grieves with you, and we will stand with you in the difficult days ahead.”
