Three people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a food festival near Seattle’s Space Needle on Sunday, according to the BBC. Police reported that two suspects were involved, shooting at each other. One suspect is in custody, while the other remains at large. Officials have confirmed there is no threat to the public.

Shooting at Popular Tourist Spot

The incident occurred at around 18:00 local time (01:00 GMT) at one of the city’s most popular tourist spots. The annual Bite of Seattle food festival was drawing more people to the downtown area. Two deaths were confirmed at the scene, and one person later died in the hospital. Those injured include a two-year-old boy, according to officials.

Public Reaction and Sheltering

Videos shared online showed people taking shelter inside the city’s iconic Space Needle. People could be seen crouched on the ground, taking cover behind pillars and shelves of merchandise in the Space Needle’s lobby during the shooting. Faith Adia Hunter told the Associated Press that one of the shooters was near her and her friends when they heard the shots, prompting them to flee for shelter in the Seattle Children’s Museum.

“We were right next to him when it started so we took off running,” she said. “So we took off running too into the building with the crowd.” The Seattle Police Department said an investigation remains ongoing and urged the public to avoid the area.

Statements from Officials

Mayor Katie Wilson said in a statement that she wanted to “thank the Seattle police officers who responded to the scene and took a suspect into custody.” She had originally announced two suspects had been taken into custody before updating her statement later on Sunday evening. Four of the injured were taken to hospital in a stable condition, while a fifth chose not to, the fire department said.

Representatives for Seattle and Washington state have condemned the shooting as an act of “senseless violence.” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said on social media, “My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe.” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle, added on social media, “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this senseless violence.”

“We are in close touch with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Governor Bob Ferguson, and co-ordinating across multiple levels of government to get updates on the situation,” she wrote. Wilson also condemned the shooting as 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,” Wilson said. “Tonight, our attention belongs to the people whose lives were taken, those fighting to recover, and the families beside them,” she added. “Seattle grieves with you, and we will stand with you in the difficult days ahead.”