Three people have died and several others were injured following a shooting at the annual Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday evening, authorities said.

The shooting occurred at approximately 6:00 p.m. local time at the Seattle Center, where thousands of visitors had gathered for the popular three-day food festival.

According to the Seattle Fire Department, two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third later died in hospital.

One Suspect Arrested, Second Still at Large

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that one suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. However, Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis of the Seattle Police Department said a second suspect fled the scene and remains outstanding.

Preliminary investigations indicate the two suspects were likely shooting at each other when multiple bystanders were caught in the gunfire.

Police have launched an extensive investigation and urged the public to avoid the area while officers continue searching for the second suspect.

Children Among the Injured

Several people were wounded in the shooting, including a two-year-old boy, officials said.

The Seattle Fire Department reported that four injured victims were transported to hospital in stable condition, while a fifth injured person declined medical transport.

Panic at Seattle’s Landmark Attraction

Videos shared on social media showed festival attendees and visitors taking shelter inside the iconic Space Needle as gunfire erupted nearby.

Footage captured people crouching behind pillars and merchandise displays inside the landmark’s lobby while waiting for police to secure the area.

Mayor Wilson thanked the Seattle police officers who responded rapidly to the incident and arrested one of the suspects. She later corrected an earlier statement that had indicated two suspects had been taken into custody.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting, and no additional details have been released.