Two killed, child among wounded in mass shooting at Seattle festival

Two killed, child among wounded in mass shooting at Seattle food festival

A festive summer food festival in Seattle turned into a scene of panic and tragedy after gunfire erupted Sunday evening, leaving two people dead and several others injured, including a two-year-old child.

The shooting unfolded just after 6 p.m. at the Seattle Center, only a block from the city's famous Space Needle, where thousands had gathered for the annual Bite of Seattle Festival.

Gunfire sparks panic

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out among rows of food vendors and live entertainment.

Videos circulating on social media showed festival-goers fleeing in all directions after the shooting began.

Some witnesses told local media they heard seven or eight shots, while another reported hearing what sounded like more than 20 rounds fired near one of the music stages.

Police have not yet said what triggered the violence.

Two dead, child among the injured

Seattle Fire Department officials confirmed two people died at the scene.

Four others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, including a two-year-old child. Another woman was treated at the scene but declined hospital treatment.

Harborview Medical Center said all of the injured suffered gunshot wounds. One woman remains in critical condition, while the other victims sustained injuries to the arm, leg, abdomen and lower leg.

Authorities have not released the identities of the victims.

Search for suspect continues

Investigators have yet to announce whether a suspect has been identified or arrested.

Seattle police, emergency crews and officers from several federal agencies, including the FBI, responded to the scene as investigators worked to secure the area and collect evidence.

Officials have not released any information on a possible motive.

Festival cut short

The annual Bite of Seattle Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, with hundreds of food vendors, family activities and live music performances spread across the Seattle Center.

Following the shooting, the Seattle Center Monorail suspended service for the remainder of Sunday, announcing operations would resume on Monday morning.

Another US mass shooting

The attack is the latest in a string of mass shootings across the United States.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, which classifies a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are shot, Sunday's attack is at least the 271st mass shooting recorded in the U.S. so far this year.

Investigators continue to examine witness accounts and video footage as they work to determine exactly what happened and identify those responsible.

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