A weekend celebration at one of Seattle’s most recognizable landmarks turned tragic Sunday evening after gunfire erupted during the annual Bite of Seattle festival, killing three people and injuring four others, including a 2-year-old boy.
The shooting happened at approximately 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, outside the Seattle Center Armory, near the Space Needle. Seattle police say their preliminary investigation indicates that two people exchanged gunfire in the crowded festival area. Seven people were struck by bullets. (SPD Blotter)
Three People Killed
Authorities confirmed that a 19-year-old man, a 44-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman died following the shooting. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third died later at Harborview Medical Center. Their names had not been released in the initial updates.
Four other people were hospitalized. The wounded included a 2-year-old boy, two men ages 23 and 27, and a 39-year-old woman. By Monday, the toddler was reported to be in satisfactory condition, while the three injured adults had been discharged from the hospital. (AP News)
Police have not publicly confirmed whether any of the people killed or injured were directly involved in the confrontation that led to the shooting.
Festivalgoers Ran for Safety
The shooting happened during the final hours of the Bite of Seattle, a three-day food and entertainment festival that brings large crowds, vendors and performers to Seattle Center.
Dozens of police officers were already working security at the event when the gunfire began. According to investigators, some officers witnessed one of the suspected shooters firing. Police responded within seconds, provided emergency aid to the injured and began searching the festival grounds. (SPD Blotter)
Witnesses described scenes of panic as festivalgoers suddenly began running from the area.
Faith Adia Hunter told the Associated Press that she and her friends had just purchased food when people began running. She and others rushed into the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum for shelter.
Another witness, Estan Wakonabo, described people hiding and pushing to escape, with some falling to the ground as the crowd fled. Vendors also abandoned booths, food and equipment as people rushed toward exits. (AP News)
For many visitors, what had been an afternoon of food, entertainment and community celebration changed within moments.
One Suspect Arrested, Another Sought
Police quickly arrested one person following the shooting. Authorities said the man was taken to Seattle Police Headquarters for questioning.
Investigators believe two suspected shooters were firing at each other. As of Monday’s update, police were still searching for another person believed to have been involved. Authorities had not publicly released a description of that individual.
Despite the search, Seattle Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis said authorities did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public. (AP News)
Detectives from the Seattle Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Gun Violence Reduction Unit are working to determine what triggered the confrontation and establish exactly what happened before the first shots were fired. (SPD Blotter)
Seattle Community Responds
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson called the shooting an act of “horrific violence” as officials responded to the tragedy. A candlelight vigil was also planned at Seattle Center’s International Fountain as the community began mourning those killed. (Seattle.gov)
The tragedy is particularly striking because of where it happened. Bite of Seattle has been held since 1982 and has grown into a major summer event. The festival’s website says it draws approximately 350,000 attendees, making the violence at such a heavily attended public celebration especially alarming. (AP News)
By Monday, vendors were returning to collect equipment and clean up what had been left behind during the evacuation, while investigators continued piecing together evidence.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting, recorded video or has information about what happened to come forward.
The Seattle Police Department has asked people with information to contact its tip line at 206-233-5000. (SPD Blotter)
The investigation remains active, and authorities have cautioned that additional details could emerge as detectives interview witnesses, review evidence and determine who was responsible.
For Seattle, the shooting has left three families mourning, several survivors recovering and a community searching for answers after violence shattered what was supposed to be a summer celebration.
This article reflects information available as of July 27, 2026, and may be updated as authorities release additional verified details.
