Police now believe at least three gunmen took part in the deadly shooting at Seattle’s popular Bite of Seattle food festival. Earlier, investigators believed only two people had opened fire.
The shooting happened around 6 pm on Sunday during the final hours of the annual festival at Seattle Center near the Space Needle. The festival attracts nearly 350,000 visitors over three days. However, the celebration quickly turned into chaos as gunfire sent thousands of people running for safety.
The attack killed three people and injured four others, including a two-year-old boy.
Police Investigate Possible Gang Connection
Court documents filed on Monday show that investigators believe a 15-year-old suspect arrested at the scene and another man who died during the shootout were firing at “at least one other unknown suspect.”
Seattle Police Assistant Chief of Investigations Nicole Powell said detectives are investigating a possible gang-related shooting. Investigators believe two groups may have exchanged gunfire in the middle of the crowded festival.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues to develop as police gather more evidence. Soon after the shooting, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said police had taken two people into custody. However, she later withdrew that statement.
On Monday morning, Police Chief Shon Barnes said investigators had not confirmed whether one of the deceased was the second shooter. Later that day, court documents revealed that detectives now believe a third suspect also took part in the shooting.
Authorities Identify the Victims
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the three victims who died in the shooting. Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, was one of the active shooters, according to investigators.
Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, a husband and father of three, died after a gunshot struck his torso. Ashley Whitehead, 56, died after bullets hit her during the exchange of gunfire.
The shooting also injured four people. A two-year-old boy remained in satisfactory condition on Monday. Doctors treated a 23-year-old man, a 27-year-old man, and a 39-year-old woman at Harborview Medical Center. They later released all three from the hospital. Police have not determined whether the civilian victims were targeted or were simply caught in the crossfire.
Teen Suspect Remains in Custody
The 15-year-old suspect waived his first court appearance on Monday. A juvenile court judge ordered him to remain in custody while detectives investigate allegations of first-degree assault and firearms offences.
The King County Prosecutor’s Office is expected to receive the case on Wednesday. Prosecutors will then decide whether to charge the teenager as a juvenile or an adult.
Search Continues for Another Gunman
Police continue to search for at least one unidentified suspect who fled after the shooting. Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have joined the investigation. They are helping local authorities identify and locate the remaining suspect.
Community Pays Tribute to Victims
On Monday evening, people gathered at Seattle Center's International Fountain for a candlelight vigil. Family members, friends, and local residents honoured the victims and offered support to one another. Witnesses described the shooting as a senseless act of violence that shattered a popular community festival.