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A suspect was taken into custody after two people were killed and multiple others were wounded Sunday in a mass shooting at the Seattle Center, according to Mayor Katie Wilson and police.
Wilson called the shooting “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,” Wilson said in a statement. “No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city.”
Police and emergency crews began arriving at the center shortly after 6 p.m. The venue was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend.
MULTIPLE INJURED AFTER FLOATPLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING, CATCHES FIRE OFF WASHINGTON COAST
Seattle Police urged people to avoid the area. (KCPQ)
“Please avoid the area,” Seattle Police wrote on X.
The Seattle Fire Department said two people were pronounced dead at the scene after attempting life-saving procedures.
Three other victims, including a 2-year-old, were transported to a hospital in stable condition, while a fourth victim was taken to the hospital in serious condition.
A fifth victim with minor injuries declined to be transported to a hospital.
Police and emergency crews began arriving at Seattle Center shortly after 6 p.m. The venue was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend. (KCPQ)
“Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public,” she added.
Digital reached out to the Seattle Police Department for additional information.
Kayla Carris, 22, said she was sitting outside the Armory at the Bite of Seattle when people began to scream and run for cover inside the Seattle Center Armory.
“Everyone was just throwing stuff and running,” Carris told The Seattle Times. “Like everyone.”
Todd Behrends, 59, said he heard what appeared to be several rounds of shots.
SEATTLE FIRE CREWS RESPOND TO 3-ALARM INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT WAREHOUSE FIRE, ROOF PARTIALLY COLLAPSES
Two people were pronounced dead at the scene. (KCPQ)
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People began running and jumping over each other to escape, Behrends told the outlet. One woman fell, and someone stepped on her leg.
Behrends said he saw a woman on the ground and a man on a stretcher as he ran toward an exit.
Harborview Medical Center is on lockdown due to increased police activity in the area following the mass casualty incident, according to an email sent to staff, The Seattle Times reported.
The Seattle Center Monorail was also closed for the remainder of Sunday.
