At least two people were killed and five others injured Sunday evening when gunfire erupted at a Seattle food festival, prompting terrified crowds to flee as shots rang out, authorities and witnesses said.
The shooting happened around 6 p.m. local time at Seattle Center, where large crowds had gathered for the Bite of Seattle food festival, according to police and The Seattle Times.
The Seattle Fire Department told the outlet that two people died and at least five more were wounded in the attack.
Fire officials said the injured included a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, a 40-year-old woman and a 56-year-old woman. All five were listed in stable condition. Information about the two people who were killed was not immediately released.
Seattle police also said there were “multiple victims” after the burst of violence sent the festival into chaos.
Nearby Harborview Medical Center was placed on lockdown amid heightened police activity following what was described as a “mass casualty incident,” the local outlet reported.
Festivalgoer Estain Wakonabo, 25, told the publication that people began rushing for safety and trampling over one another as panic spread through the packed venue.
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“It was just pure chaos,” he said.
After returning to the scene to try to take photos, he said he saw several gunshot victims on the ground and a body covered with a yellow sheet.
Police urged residents to avoid the area surrounding the Seattle Center, located near the Space Needle, while investigation efforts remain ongoing.
Additional details about the number of gunmen or victims shot are not immediately clear.
An investigation remains ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
