Shooting took place at a downtown Seattle food festival; police urge people to avoid the area
Police officers stand at a cordoned-off area after Seattle Police responded to what they described as a shooting with “multiple” victims at Seattle Center, which was hosting a Bite of Seattle food festival, in Seattle, Washington, US, July 26, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS
At least two people were killed and five others, including a 2-year-old child, were wounded on Sunday in a shooting at a downtown Seattle food festival, local news outlets reported, with the US city’s mayor’s office saying a suspect had been taken into custody.
Police urged people to avoid the area at the base of the famed Space Needle on Sunday evening as officers investigated the shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival.
“Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center,” the department said on X.
Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center. More information to come. Please avoid the area.
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) July 27, 2026
The Seattle Times and local TV station KOMO, citing the Seattle Fire Department, reported the death and injury toll. Witnesses told the Times they heard several shots around 6pm local time (0100 GMT).
“What happened at the Seattle Center today was an act of horrific violence,” Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said in a statement, adding a suspect had been taken into custody. “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.”
