At least two people were killed and at least five others injured in a shooting near Seattle's Space Needle in Washington state on the US West Coast on Sunday evening, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
One suspect was taken into custody, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said.
The fire department said in a statement that two people were pronounced dead at the scene after life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.
The department said a 56-year-old woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.
Three other victims were brought there as well, including a two-year-old boy, all in stable condition. A fifth injured victim who had minor injuries chose not to go to the hospital.
The Seattle Police Department told people to "avoid the area."
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. local time.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a statement Sunday night saying "What happened at the Seattle Center today was an act of horrific violence.”
“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.”
The Seattle Center is a popular tourist location that includes the iconic Space Needle and Climate Pledge Arena, home of the Seattle Kraken and Seattle Storm.
The Bite of Seattle food festival was being held in the area when the shooting took place.
The annual festival started in 1982 and draws 350,000 attendees over “three days of food, drink, and community celebration,” according to its website.
