Two people are dead, multiple others were injured after shooting at a Seattle festival, reports say
Police in Seattle, Washington, said they are investigating a shooting incident with “multiple victims” after gunfire erupted at a festival at an events complex close to the iconic Space Needle.
The Associated Press, CNN, and local new outlets in Seattle report that Seattle Fire said two people died at the scene and at least five others, including a child, were transported to hospital(s).
Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman Susan Gregg said the hospital on Sunday night admitted four victims, including a toddler, a 23-year-old man and two adult women. One patient was in critical condition, she said, according to the AP.
Related video above: Witness describes the scene
Police respond to a shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Seattle, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
In its post on X around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the police department said more information is to come and urged people to avoid the area, but hasn’t since provided more details.
The Seattle Center is described on its website as “an active civic, arts and family gathering place in the core of our region.” It is home to a number of attractions, including the Space Needle.
The Seattle Center was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend. The annual festival started in 1982 and draws 350,000 attendees over “three days of food, drink, and community celebration,” according to its website. It’s unclear if the shooting occurred at the festival.
Police respond to a shooting at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Seattle, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Estan Wakonabo told the Associated Press that he and his girlfriend were at the festival waiting in line for a photo booth when he was shoved from behind and he turned to see a rush of people fleeing.
“People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling,” Wakonabo said, adding that was when he heard gunshots.
“Once I heard a ‘pop, pop, pop,’ that’s when I knew it was a shooter,” he said.
After he escorted his girlfriend to safety, he returned to the scene to make photos and saw multiple victims on the ground, Wakonabo said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report
