SEATTLE, Washington – Three people were killed and four others were injured after multiple people exchanged gunfire during Seattle’s Bite of Seattle food festival, with investigators now examining whether the violence was linked to a gang-related confrontation.
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. Sunday at Seattle Center, the park surrounding the Space Needle, as the annual three-day festival was nearing its conclusion. The event, which attracts hundreds of food vendors, performers and thousands of visitors, descended into chaos as gunfire erupted, sending attendees fleeing for safety.
Seattle police said Monday that detectives believe at least three people fired weapons during the incident, with two groups exchanging gunfire. Among those identified as shooters was a 19-year-old man who was killed during the exchange.
Investigators Identify Multiple Suspected Shooters
Court documents filed in Seattle juvenile court indicate investigators believe the shooting involved at least three suspects rather than the two initially reported.
Police identified one suspected shooter as a 15-year-old who was arrested at the scene, while another suspected gunman, a 19-year-old acquaintance, died during the exchange. Detectives continue searching for at least one additional unidentified suspect.
The 15-year-old appeared in juvenile court Monday and waived an initial court appearance. A judge ordered the teenager held in juvenile detention while authorities investigate allegations including first-degree assault and firearms violations.
The King County Prosecutor’s Office said it expects to receive the case from Seattle police on Wednesday before deciding whether to file formal charges.
Authorities Clarify Early Public Information
Police acknowledged that information released in the hours immediately following the shooting changed as investigators gathered additional evidence.
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The Seattle Police Department announced about five hours after the incident that one suspected shooter had been arrested while investigators believed another remained at large. Earlier Sunday, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson had said two suspects were in custody before later correcting that statement.
During a separate news conference Monday morning, Police Chief Shon Barnes said investigators were still determining whether one of the deceased victims had been involved in the exchange of gunfire. Authorities later said evidence suggested at least three people had fired weapons.
Police said they sought to avoid releasing incomplete or inaccurate information while responding to a rapidly evolving crime scene.
Victims Include Father of Three
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified those killed as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44; Ashley Whitehead, 56; and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19.
According to a fundraising campaign organized for his family, Villalba was a husband and father of three who was remembered for his generosity and willingness to help others. The medical examiner’s office said he died from a gunshot wound to the torso.
Four additional people were injured, including a 2-year-old boy who remained in satisfactory condition Monday. Hospital officials said the other victims—a 23-year-old man, a 27-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman—had been treated and released.
Court documents said one victim was struck while walking a bicycle, while the toddler was with his mother when the shooting occurred.
Festival Evacuation and Witness Accounts
The shooting triggered widespread panic across Seattle Center as visitors sought shelter inside nearby buildings or fled the festival grounds.
Authorities said dozens of officers assigned to the event responded within seconds after the shooting began, with at least one officer witnessing a suspect firing a weapon. Police also searched an IMAX theater after initially believing another suspect had entered the building.
Festival vendors returned to the site Monday under police supervision to retrieve equipment abandoned during the evacuation. Cooking equipment, food and supplies remained where they had been left as crowds fled.
Vendor Adam Lombardo, who operated a Burmese food stand, described the scene as a “stampede” as people rushed away from the gunfire. He said police later escorted vendors back so they could safely shut down ovens and other cooking equipment left operating during the evacuation.
Festival attendee Faith Adia Hunter said she and friends had just purchased food before hearing shouting followed by gunfire, prompting them to seek shelter inside the nearby Seattle Children’s Museum.
Nearby resident Moises Perez said he opened his apartment to about 20 people, mostly women and children, seeking refuge while the situation unfolded.
A candlelight vigil was scheduled Monday evening at Seattle Center’s International Fountain to honor those killed.
Investigation Continues
Detectives continue searching for at least one additional suspected shooter while processing evidence from the scene and determining the circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators are also examining whether the shooting was connected to gang activity, although police have not announced a motive or filed homicide charges.
Prosecutors are expected to review the case later this week as the investigation continues.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
