Seattle Center Shooting: Teen Taken into Custody as Investigation Continues

A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting at the Seattle Center that resulted in three deaths and four injuries. Authorities are searching for a second suspect. The incident occurred during a large gathering, according to Mayor Katie Wilson and the police.

Mayor Wilson stated, “We believe this teenager opened fire in the crowd, but details are still under investigation.” The teenager is in juvenile detention on suspicion of firearms violations and first-degree assault, pending a court appearance on Monday. No homicide charges have been filed yet.

Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes reported that two individuals exchanged shots outside the Seattle Center Armory, with multiple bystanders caught in the crossfire. People were advised to avoid the area following the shooting, which police attribute to a conflict between two groups.

An ongoing manhunt is in progress for the second suspected shooter. Police stated there is a possibility that one of the deceased victims might be the second shooter, but this remains unconfirmed.

A 19-year-old man and a 44-year-old man died at the scene despite first responders’ efforts. A 56-year-old woman was critically injured and later died in the hospital. Four others, including a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and a 40-year-old woman, also sustained injuries. The toddler, initially in stable condition, has improved to satisfactory condition. Other victims have either recovered or been discharged.

Police are verifying if a 27-year-old man who went to the hospital himself is an eighth victim. His involvement is still under investigation. Harborview Medical Center’s spokesperson Susan Gregg mentioned injuries involved arms, abdomen, and legs.

“Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives,” Mayor Wilson said. “An entire community is trying to understand how a gathering ended in gunfire.”

The Bite of Seattle food festival took place at the venue over the weekend. Mayor Wilson emphasized the mayor’s priority of supporting grieving families and delivering clear information to the public.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, updated with briefings, announced State Patrol SWAT officers joined the police efforts. “My prayers are with the families and responders as they work to keep people safe,” said the governor.

Seattle Police and emergency teams reached the Seattle Center shortly after 6 p.m. during the Bite of Seattle. The Fox News Digital team contacted the Seattle Police Department for more details.

Representative Pramila Jayapal expressed her dismay: “My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and all those impacted by this senseless violence.” She commended the first responders and medical professionals for their efforts.

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay expressed sadness, acknowledging the significance of the Bite of Seattle and its impact on the community: “To see violence at a place bringing so many people together is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

Kayla Carris, a witness, recalled chaos as shots began. “Everyone was just throwing stuff and running,” she told The Seattle Times. Todd Behrends, another witness, described people scattering and stepping over each other.