A shootout at a crowded food festival in Seattle left three people dead and at least four others injured, including a two-year-old boy, prompting police to launch a manhunt for at least one remaining suspect. Investigators believe the violence may have been gang-related, with multiple people exchanging gunfire during the annual Bite of Seattle festival.

Police said a 15-year-old suspect has been taken into custody, while a 19-year-old believed to have been one of the shooters died at the scene. Authorities now believe at least three people were involved in the exchange of gunfire.

Police Probe Gang-Related Shooting

The shooting occurred at around 6 pm on Sunday during the closing hours of the Bite of Seattle festival at the Seattle Centre near the Space Needle. The annual event attracts hundreds of food vendors, performers and thousands of visitors.

According to investigators, two groups are believed to have exchanged gunfire, causing panic as festival-goers fled the area or sought shelter in nearby buildings.

Court documents filed in Seattle’s juvenile court state that police believe there were at least three shooters, including the 15-year-old suspect in custody, a 19-year-old acquaintance who died at the scene, and at least one unidentified suspect who remains at large.

Seattle Police Assistant Chief of Investigations Nicole Powell confirmed that the deceased suspected shooter was 19 years old.

Teen Held, Investigation Continues

The 15-year-old suspect has been ordered to remain in juvenile detention while police investigate allegations of first-degree assault and firearms violations.

Authorities said efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend at least one additional suspect involved in the shooting.

Officials also addressed questions about conflicting public statements issued in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Police said the rapidly evolving situation made it necessary to verify information before releasing updates.

Victims Identified

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 the medical examiner, Villalba died from a gunshot wound to the torso. A fundraising campaign described him as a husband and father of three who was known for his generosity and willingness to help others.

Among the injured was a two-year-old boy, who remained in satisfactory condition on Monday. Hospital officials said the other injured victims, two men aged 23 and 27 and a 39-year-old woman, had been discharged after treatment.

Court documents said one victim was struck while walking a bicycle, while the toddler was with his mother when the shooting took place.

Festival Descends Into Chaos

Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted across the festival grounds. Vendors abandoned food stalls while visitors ran for safety or sheltered inside nearby buildings.

Authorities said dozens of police officers were already deployed at the event and responded within seconds of the shooting. Officers also searched an IMAX theatre after initially suspecting that one of the shooters had fled into the building.

A candlelight vigil was planned at Seattle Centre’s International Fountain on Monday evening to honour the victims. The Bite of Seattle festival, which began in 1982, typically attracts around 3.5 lakh visitors over three days.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue searching for the remaining suspect and work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting.

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