Seattle police are searching for a second suspect following a shooting at a crowded food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday that resulted in three fatalities and four injuries. An initial suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

Investigation into Seattle Festival Shooting

Authorities believe the two individuals were engaged in a gunfight with each other. Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis stated during a news conference Sunday evening that the public is not considered to be in ongoing danger, despite one suspect remaining at large. No description of the outstanding suspect has been released.

“We’re still trying to figure this out,” Chief Davis said. Police did not immediately respond to inquiries made early Monday morning.

Victims and Injuries Reported

Two individuals were pronounced deceased at the festival grounds, and a third died after being transported to a hospital. The deceased were identified as two men, aged 19 and 44, and a 56-year-old woman. Four other individuals sustained injuries, including a 2-year-old boy, all of whom were in stable condition at area hospitals as of Monday morning. The remaining injured parties were adults. Chief Davis indicated that it was not yet determined if any of the victims were involved in the confrontation.

Event Disrupted by Gunfire

The gunfire commenced at approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, during the concluding hours of the annual Bite of Seattle. This three-day event features hundreds of food and retail vendors, as well as performers.

According to Chief Davis, numerous officers were present for security and witnessed one of the suspects discharging a firearm. One suspect surrendered to authorities at the event, while the other fled the vicinity. Law enforcement conducted a search of the festival grounds without immediate success.

Witness Accounts of the Incident

Faith Adia Hunter recounted that she and her companions were near a crepe vendor when the shots rang out. She sought refuge with others at the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum. “We were right next to him when it started so we took off running,” Ms. Hunter stated. “So we took off running too into the building with the crowd.”

Roberto Ramirez, a vendor at the festival, described hearing sounds akin to firecrackers before panic ensued with shouts of “shooter.” He observed the area rapidly empty as attendees fled. Mr. Ramirez also noted that new arrivals continued to appear, unaware of the events, and were directed to leave by police.

Estan Wakonabo reported being pushed from behind while waiting in line at the festival, witnessing a rush of people fleeing. “People were hiding, were pushing, people were falling on the ground, baby strollers were falling,” Mr. Wakonabo said, adding that he then heard gunshots. “Once I heard a ‘pop, pop, pop,’ that’s when I knew it was a shooter.” After escorting his girlfriend to safety, Mr. Wakonabo returned to the scene and observed multiple victims on the ground.

The Bite of Seattle festival, established in 1982, draws an estimated 350,000 attendees annually, according to its official website.