Seattle. Photo: Amit Cotler Seattle officials are investigating a deadly shooting at Seattle Center that left multiple people dead and injured during the annual Bite of Seattle festival on Sunday, July 26, 2026, prompting Mayor Bruce Harrell to describe the incident as "an act of horrific violence."
Seattle Police alerted the public to the unfolding situation, stating that officers were investigating reports of shots fired at Seattle Center and urging residents to avoid the area while emergency responders secured the scene.
Authorities confirmed that a suspect was taken into custody following the shooting, which occurred at one of the city's most popular public gatherings. Several victims were transported to local hospitals, including Harborview Medical Center, where medical teams continue to treat the injured.
In a statement released Sunday evening (July 26, 2026), Mayor Harrell expressed condolences to the victims and their families while thanking first responders and bystanders who helped people reach safety.
"What happened at the Seattle Center today was an act of horrific violence," the mayor said. "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."
Harrell emphasized that public events should not carry the threat of violence.
"No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city," he said.
The mayor also acknowledged the emotional toll on witnesses, event workers, and emergency personnel, noting that many people who were not physically injured may continue to grapple with the trauma of the incident. He encouraged those struggling to seek support through the 988 mental health crisis hotline.
"Gun violence changes families forever," Harrell added. "Its trauma reaches far beyond the people struck by bullets."
The Seattle Center, home to the iconic Space Needle and a frequent venue for major events, drew large crowds for the Bite of Seattle festival, turning what was meant to be a celebration of food and community into a scene of grief and mourning.