Gunfire erupted at a food festival in Seattle, killing at least three people and wounding at least four others. One person is in custody, and police say another suspect may still be at large. Geoff Bennett reports on the city that is grieving and on edge.
Man:
Oh, my God.
Geoff Bennett:
On Sunday, just after 6:00 p.m. local time, gunfire rang out at the popular Bite of Seattle food festival, a gathering that draws hundreds of thousands of people each year, including many families.
Roberto Ramirez, Festival Vendor:
We suddenly heard some firecrackers, what I thought were firecrackers, and people started yelling “Shooter, shooter,” and there was like an a stampede of people just running.
Man:
Get down, get down, get down.
Geoff Bennett:
Food vendors in their tents forced to duck and hide as crowds hurried to safety. A massive police presence descended on the scene at Seattle Center backed by armored SWAT vehicles.
Talijah Satack, Visitor:
People was falling over strollers. People was hiding. It was like everybody was fearing for their life.
Estan Wakonabo, Photographer:
I don’t know what’s the situation, but I ran over there as fast as can with my camera, and that’s when I saw people on the ground.
Geoff Bennett:
First responders tended to multiple victims caught in the crossfire, as investigators believe the suspects were shooting at each other. In addition to the dead, four others were wounded, including a 2-year-old. They were taken to a nearby hospital, and all have since been released, except the toddler, who is listed in satisfactory condition.
One suspect, a 15-year-old, surrendered at the scene, but the search is on for another who officials say may have fled. Court documents reviewed by the Associated Press say a third died in the gunfight. Officers combed the site, searching for evidence, finding two guns.
Despite the ongoing search, law enforcement and local officials stressed, there is no ongoing danger to the public.
Shon Barnes, Seattle, Washington, Police Chief:
Our officers, as well as members from the fire department medic team ran toward gunfire in an attempt to render lifesaving aid and to disarm someone who was actively firing a weapon into a crowd.
Geoff Bennett:
But, last night, the city’s mayor said the shooting reflects a deeper problem.
Katie Wilson (D), Mayor of Seattle, Washington: We have far too much gun violence in this city and in this country. And we’re coming off of a week in Seattle where we have had three major incidents of gun violence in just a few days. We have a lot of work to do as a city and as a country to make this better.
