SEATTLE — Police are searching for a second suspect after a shooting at the crowded Bite of Seattle food festival left three people dead and four others injured, including a toddler. The violence erupted Sunday evening at Seattle Center near the Space Needle as thousands of people attended the popular annual event.

According to the Seattle Police Department, the shooting happened at approximately 6 p.m. near the Seattle Center Armory. Investigators believe two individuals exchanged gunfire during a confrontation. One suspect was taken into custody at the scene, while the second suspect fled and remained at large as the investigation continued.

Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the broader public, but detectives continued working to identify and locate the second person believed to be involved. Police have not released a public description of the outstanding suspect as investigators work to establish exactly what led to the deadly confrontation.

Three People Killed in the Shooting

Seattle police said seven people were struck by gunfire during the incident. Three victims died, including a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. Two of the victims died at the scene, while the third later died at Harborview Medical Center.

Four additional people were hospitalized with injuries. Among those wounded was a toddler. Police said the injured victims were in stable condition in the early hours after the shooting.

The victims' connection to the confrontation remained unclear. Investigators were still working to determine whether the people who were wounded or killed were directly involved in the dispute or were bystanders caught in the exchange of gunfire. Two firearms were recovered as part of the investigation, according to police.

Gunfire Creates Panic at Crowded Food Festival

The shooting occurred during the final hours of the Bite of Seattle, a major food and entertainment festival held at Seattle Center. The event attracts large crowds, vendors, performers and families, making the sudden sound of gunfire especially frightening for those nearby.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as festival attendees ran for safety. People sought shelter in nearby buildings and moved away from the area while police and emergency crews responded. The presence of officers already working security at the event allowed law enforcement to react quickly after the gunfire was reported.

Seattle police said officers responded within seconds and provided emergency assistance to victims before Seattle Fire Department personnel arrived. The rapid response helped authorities secure the area and begin treating the wounded.

The shooting also led to the evacuation of parts of the Seattle Center campus as police searched for the suspect who fled. Large numbers of law enforcement officers and emergency responders were seen around the area as investigators began processing the crime scene.

One Suspect Arrested, Second Suspect Still Sought

Police said one suspect surrendered or was taken into custody at the scene after officers responded to the gunfire. That person was transported for questioning as investigators began gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

The second suspect, however, escaped from the area. Police searched the Seattle Center grounds but did not immediately locate the individual. Detectives from the Seattle Police Department's Homicide Unit and Gun Violence Reduction Unit are working together to determine what happened.

Authorities have not yet announced a motive. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses and examine evidence collected from the scene as they attempt to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact investigators. Witnesses who recorded video or saw the confrontation may have important information that could help authorities identify the second suspect and determine how the shooting began.

Community Shocked by Deadly Violence

The shooting has shocked Seattle residents and festival attendees, particularly because the violence occurred at a major public event where families and visitors had gathered to enjoy food, entertainment and community activities.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson condemned the incident and expressed concern over the loss of life and the impact of gun violence on the community. The shooting has also renewed discussions about security at large public gatherings and the challenges law enforcement faces when trying to protect crowded public spaces.

Although police said there was no continuing threat to the public, the incident raised concerns among people who were at the festival and those who regularly attend events at Seattle Center. Investigators will likely examine how the confrontation developed and whether additional security measures could help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released all details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police are continuing to examine evidence and seek information from members of the public.

Officials have emphasized that the investigation is still developing. Details about the second suspect, the motive and the exact sequence of events may change as detectives gather additional evidence.

The deadly shooting serves as another reminder of the dangers that can emerge suddenly in crowded public places. For the families of the victims, the focus now turns to mourning their loved ones, while the injured victims continue recovering in local hospitals.

As police continue searching for the second suspect, the Seattle community awaits further updates about the investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward and assist detectives in determining what happened during the deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival.

The Seattle Police Department said investigators will continue working to identify everyone involved and bring the investigation to a conclusion. For now, the search for the second suspect remains a central focus of the case.