2 people are dead, multiple others injured after shooting at Seattle festival near Space Needle, reports say

Police in Seattle, Washington, said they are investigating a shooting incident with “multiple victims” after gunfire erupted Sunday at a food 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, however, police hadn’t confirmed any deaths.

Related video above: Witness describes the scene

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.

The gunfire erupted around 6 p.m. at the Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle festival.

Police were investigating the shooting and urged people to avoid the area just northwest of downtown.

In a prepared statement released on the city’s website Sunday night, Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson called the shooting “an act of horrific violence, and said two people were taken into custody, but police hadn’t confirmed.

“I want to thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took two suspects into custody,” the mayor’s statement, in part, said. “I also want to recognize Seattle firefighters and medical personnel at Harborview who are treating the injured, as well as Seattle Center and event staff and bystanders who helped people reach safety and provided aid in terrifying circumstances.”

Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, called the shooting a “tragedy,” and said he is receiving briefings on the ongoing response.

“The Washington State Patrol SWAT team is on the way to assist, at the request of the Seattle Police Department. Please continue to avoid the area. If you are in the area, please follow directions from law enforcement. My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” the governor said.

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)

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.

Read Seattle Mayor Katie B. Wilson’s full statement issued Sunday night:

“What happened at the Seattle Center today was an act of horrific violence.

“Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire.

“No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city.

“Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public.

“I want to thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took two suspects into custody. I also want to recognize Seattle firefighters and medical personnel at Harborview who are treating the injured, as well as Seattle Center and event staff and bystanders who helped people reach safety and provided aid in terrifying circumstances.

“We know that many people who were not physically injured will carry what they experienced today for a long time. That includes witnesses, workers, first responders, and everyone waiting to learn whether someone they love is safe. Call or text 988 if you or someone you want to help is experiencing a mental health crisis.

“Gun violence changes families forever. Its trauma reaches far beyond the people struck by bullets. In the days ahead, we will establish what happened and be transparent with the public about what we have learned.

“Tonight, our attention belongs to the people whose lives were taken, those fighting to recover, and the families beside them.

“Seattle grieves with you, and we will stand with you in the difficult days ahead.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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The Associated Press and CNN contributed to this report