Seattle Center shooting leaves 2 dead, at least 5 injured during Bite of Seattle festival

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: A shooting at Seattle Center's annual Bite of Seattle festival on Sunday evening, July 26, left two people dead and at least five others injured, triggering panic among festivalgoers and prompting a massive emergency response near the city's iconic Space Needle.

Authorities confirmed the fatalities at the scene, while several victims, including a two-year-old child, were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. Videos circulating on social media showed people walking through rows of food vendors before the sound of gunshots sent crowds running in every direction.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, responded to the scene alongside local emergency crews.

Witnesses describe panic after Seattle Center shooting

The Seattle Fire Department said it responded to reports of a shooting at Seattle Center shortly after 6 pm.

Festivalgoers initially struggled to understand what was happening.

Witness Nick Bate told KIRO-TV that he first believed the loud noises were fireworks.

"At first, thought there were fireworks, and then everybody flooded and ran past us."

Another witness, Leanne Coles, said she instinctively ran with the crowd before taking cover.

"Everybody started running, and so we just ran too," she said. "We decided to keep running with the crowd... I looked up for the Space Needle to try to keep track of where we were. It was really scary."

Two witnesses also told CNN affiliate KOMO they heard "seven to eight shots" before people began running "everywhere."

A local vendor told The Seattle Times he heard multiple gunshots "all at once" and watched frightened parents grab their children and rush toward the exits as children cried and panic spread through the festival grounds.

Seattle Center shooting leaves 2 dead and multiple victims hospitalized

Fire officials said two people were pronounced dead at the scene.

At least five others were injured. Among them was a two-year-old boy, who was taken to the hospital in stable condition, and a 56-year-old woman, who was reported to be in serious condition.

Another victim sustained minor injuries but chose not to be taken to the hospital. Fire officials did not release additional details about the remaining victims or the extent of their injuries.

The Bite of Seattle festival, which features hundreds of local food vendors and live music performances, was underway when the shooting occurred near the Space Needle.

Police investigate Seattle Center shooting as suspect remains unidentified

Authorities have not released details about a suspect, whether anyone has been taken into custody, or what may have led to the shooting.

Police also have not identified the victims or said whether the incident was targeted or random.

Following the shooting, the Seattle Center Monorail announced it would remain closed for the rest of the day and resume operations on Monday morning.

Emergency responders, Seattle police officers, firefighters, and personnel from multiple agencies, including the FBI, were seen securing the area after the shooting.

Officials continue to investigate the incident as they work to determine exactly what happened at one of Seattle's busiest public events.

This is a developing story. We will update as police release more information.