A shooting at Seattle Center during the popular Bite of Seattle food festival turned a busy summer evening into a scene of panic and chaos, with gunfire sending festivalgoers running for safety and leaving at least two people dead and five others injured.

The incident took place on Sunday night, July 26, at the Seattle Center, a major entertainment and cultural complex located close to the city’s famous Space Needle. The area was crowded with visitors attending the annual food festival, which brings together hundreds of vendors, food stalls and live entertainment.

A video circulating from the scene captured the terrifying moments after shots were fired. People could be seen running through the venue, while others appeared to duck or seek cover as the sound of gunfire echoed in the background. The sudden violence disrupted what had been a busy public event and triggered an immediate emergency response.

The Seattle Police Department confirmed that officers were investigating a shooting at Seattle Center and reported that multiple people had been shot. Authorities urged members of the public to avoid the area as officers responded to the incident and worked to establish what had happened.

According to information released after the shooting, at least two people died in the incident. Five others were also injured, with emergency responders treating several victims at the scene before some were transported to hospital for further medical care.

Seattle Fire Department personnel treated five people following the shooting. The victims included a 40-year-old woman who suffered minor injuries, a 39-year-old woman, a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. The circumstances surrounding each person’s injuries were not immediately clear.

The incident also placed significant pressure on emergency medical services in the area. Harborview Medical Center prepared to receive injured victims from the shooting. One woman was reported to be in critical condition and undergoing surgery, while three other patients taken to the hospital were described as being in satisfactory condition.

The hospital was subsequently placed under lockdown amid increased police activity following what officials described as a mass-casualty incident. The heightened security measures reflected the seriousness of the situation as law enforcement agencies continued their response.

Panic spreads through crowded food festival

The shooting occurred while the Bite of Seattle festival was underway, bringing together large numbers of people for an evening of food, music and entertainment. With hundreds of local vendors participating, the event had attracted a significant crowd to Seattle Center.

Witness accounts indicated that the sound of gunfire caused immediate panic. Two people who attended the festival said they heard approximately seven or eight shots inside the venue. As the gunfire broke out, people reportedly began running in different directions in an effort to escape the danger.

The sudden movement of a large crowd created a chaotic scene, with festivalgoers attempting to find safe locations while emergency personnel moved into the area. Videos recorded during the incident showed the fear and confusion that spread among those present.

The shooting also affected transportation operations around Seattle Center. The Seattle Center Monorail was closed for the remainder of the day following the incident. Services were expected to resume on Monday morning.

Investigation underway

Police launched an investigation into the shooting as authorities worked to determine the circumstances that led to the violence. At the time of the initial reports, officials had not released a complete account of what triggered the shooting or provided full details about the individuals involved.

The investigation is expected to focus on establishing the sequence of events, identifying the person or people responsible and determining whether the shooting was targeted or the result of another dispute.

As investigators continued gathering evidence, authorities maintained a strong police presence in the area. The public was advised to stay away from Seattle Center while emergency and investigative operations were underway.

The incident comes amid continuing concerns over gun violence in the United States, where shootings at public places have repeatedly raised questions about security, firearm access and the safety of large public gatherings.

For those attending the Bite of Seattle festival, the shooting transformed a community event into a traumatic experience. The presence of families, young children and visitors enjoying food and live performances underscored the sudden and unpredictable nature of the violence.

Authorities urge public to remain cautious

Officials continued to assess the situation as investigators worked to piece together the events surrounding the shooting. Police activity remained visible in the area, while medical teams cared for those injured.

The deaths of two people and injuries to five others have made the incident one of the most serious acts of violence to occur at a major Seattle public gathering in recent times. The investigation is expected to provide further information about the motive, the circumstances leading up to the shooting and whether anyone has been taken into custody.

For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims, securing the scene and determining exactly how the shooting unfolded. Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses.