Seattle police now believe as many as three suspects may have been involved in Sunday’s mass shooting at Seattle Center, where three people were killed and four others were injured. A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the violence.
One of the suspected shooters was also among the people who died, The Associated Press reported, citing a document filed in Seattle juvenile court.
Authorities had previously said they were investigating the possibility of two gunmen. But the court filing indicated the 15-year-old and an acquaintance who was found dead at the scene may have exchanged gunfire with at least one additional suspect who has not yet been identified.
Police are continuing to search for the suspected shooter, and an active manhunt remains underway.
Seattle Police urged people to avoid the area. (KCPQ)
Earlier, officials said the 15-year-old had been booked into juvenile detention on suspicion of firearms violations and first-degree assault.
The teen was expected to make an initial court appearance Monday, but The Associated Press reported that he waived the hearing.
No homicide charges have been filed against the teenager.
“We believe this teenager opened fire in the crowd, but details are still under investigation,” Mayor Katie Wilson said.
Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes said investigators believe gunfire was exchanged outside the Seattle Center Armory, leaving multiple bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Police believe the shooting stemmed from a conflict between small groups who appear to be at odds with each other.
Officials said a 19-year-old man and a 44-year-old man died at the scene despite life-saving efforts by first responders.
A 56-year-old woman was also transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where she later died.
Four other victims were injured, including a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and a 40-year-old woman. Officials said these victims either suffered minor injuries or have been discharged from the hospital.
Police are also investigating whether a 27-year-old man who self-transported to a hospital was an eighth victim. His involvement has not yet been confirmed.
Harborview Medical Center spokesperson Susan Gregg previously said the injuries to four patients involved an arm, abdomen and legs
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)
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.”
The venue was hosting the Bite of Seattle food festival over the weekend.
“Our first responsibilities are supporting grieving families, caring for the injured, and providing clear and accurate information for the public,” the mayor said.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson previously said he was receiving briefings and State Patrol SWAT officers responded to the scene to assist Seattle Police.
“My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe,” the governor said on X.
INC News reached out to the Seattle Police Department for additional information.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., said she was “absolutely horrified” by the shooting.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and all those impacted by this senseless violence.”
“I am grateful to the officers and first responders who are at the scene and working to protect our community, as well as the frontline medical professionals who are treating survivors,” she said on X. “Tonight, we grieve with our community in Seattle as well as those around the country affected by gun violence and mass shootings.”
Three people were pronounced dead at the scene. (KCPQ)
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay similarly said he was “horrified” by the violence.
“As someone who grew up in this community, I know what this event means to so many families, young people, and neighbors across our region,” he said in a statement. “For years, the Bite has been one of Seattle’s signature summer traditions. To see violence at a place that brings so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
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.
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.
