Multiple People Shot at Seattle Center

During Bite of Seattle Festival; Police Launch Investigation

Report By Y-Trendz

Seattle, Washington, July 27, 2026 — At least six people were shot Sunday evening at Seattle Center during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival, leaving two dead and several others injured, according to

city officials and local police. Two suspects were taken into custody within hours of the shooting, though their identities had not been released as of Monday morning as the investigation continued.

How the Shooting Unfolded

The Seattle Police Department first alerted the public shortly after 6 p.m. Sunday, saying officers were responding to reports of "multiple shooting victims" with shots fired at Seattle Center, and urged residents to avoid the area. Large numbers of police, fire and emergency medical crews converged on the area near Sue Bird Court and Thomas Street, in the Lower Queen Anne neighbourhood, which was packed with visitors attending the Bite of Seattle festival at the time.

Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic evening as Seattle Center — home to the Space Needle and one of the city's most popular gathering spots — was evacuated of guests. Local reporters covering the scene said witnesses reported seeing at least six people shot, with a child reportedly among those struck by gunfire. Police could not immediately confirm the full scope of casualties as the scene remained active into the night.

By early Monday, officials said two people had died from their injuries, while accounts of the number of additional wounded varied slightly between four and five as authorities continued to update casualty figures. The injured were transported to Harborview Medical Center, the region's major trauma centre, where fire officials and medical personnel worked to treat the wounded.

Suspects in Custody, Motive Under Investigation

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed Sunday night that police had taken two suspects into custody in connection with the shooting, though she did not release further details about their identities or a possible motive. In a statement, Wilson called the incident "an act of horrific violence," saying the city's first priorities were supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing the public with clear and accurate information. She thanked Seattle police officers for their swift response in apprehending the suspects, as well as firefighters and medical staff at Harborview for their work treating victims.

The Seattle Police Department has not yet released a motive for the shooting, and an official investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident remains ongoing. Homicide detectives and crime-scene investigators were expected to comb through the area for evidence, including determining how the shooting began amid a dense festival crowd.

Officials React

The shooting drew swift reaction from elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal said her office was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Mayor Wilson and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson for updates, adding that she was grateful for the work of Seattle police and first responders at the scene. She extended condolences to those affected by what she called "senseless violence" and urged the public to continue avoiding the Seattle Center area while the investigation remained active.

Mayor Wilson, in her statement, reflected on the broader toll such incidents take on public life in the city, noting that no one should have to weigh the risk of violence before attending a community event or experiencing their city. The Bite of Seattle festival, a decades-old summer tradition that draws large crowds to sample food from local restaurants and vendors, has historically been considered a safe, family-friendly event.

Ongoing Investigation

As of Monday, Seattle police had not disclosed additional details about the suspects, potential charges, or a motive for the attack. The Seattle Police Department's Gun Violence Reduction Unit and homicide detectives are expected to lead the investigation in the coming days. Authorities have not indicated whether the shooting is believed to be a targeted act or a random outburst of violence amid the crowded festival grounds.

This remains a developing story, and further details — including the identities of the victims and suspects, updated casualty figures, and any charges filed — are expected to be released by Seattle police and the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office as the investigation progresses.