Three people were killed, and several others were injured after a shooting broke out during the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday evening. The incident happened at the Seattle Center, near the city’s famous Space Needle, where thousands had gathered for the annual event.

According to Seattle police, two people are believed to have exchanged gunfire shortly after 6 p.m. The shooting caused panic as festivalgoers ran for safety. Videos shared online showed large crowds fleeing the area, with some people knocking down a fence to escape. Others sought shelter inside nearby buildings.

Two victims died at the scene, while a third later died at a local hospital. Several others were injured, including a two-year-old boy who remained hospitalized in satisfactory condition on Monday. Other victims received treatment and were later released from local hospitals.

Police have taken one suspect, described only as a young person, into custody. Investigators are still searching for a second person believed to have been involved. Officers recovered two firearms at the scene and said the shooting appears to have involved the two suspects firing at each other. Authorities also stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Investigators have not determined what sparked the gunfire and are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or recorded video to come forward. Multiple agencies, including the FBI and a Washington state SWAT team, responded to assist with the investigation.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson described the shooting as “an act of horrific violence” and said the city’s focus remains on the victims, their families, and those recovering from their injuries. She also pledged that officials would be transparent as investigators work to determine exactly what happened.

The Bite of Seattle is one of the city’s largest annual festivals, attracting about 350,000 visitors over three days with food vendors, live entertainment, and family activities. The tragedy adds to the growing number of mass shootings reported across the United States this year and has left the Seattle community mourning lives lost during what was meant to be a celebration.