Seattle police are actively searching for a third suspect following a deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival on Sunday, July 26, 2026, which left three people dead and four injured, including a two-year-old boy. The incident occurred near the Space Needle at the Seattle Center, where the annual three-day event drew 350,000 attendees, according to its website.
Seattle Police Hunt 3rd Shooter in Deadly Bite of Seattle Food Festival Attack
Investigators now believe at least three gunmen were involved, revising earlier reports that suggested only two shooters. A 15-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene, while another individual who died during the exchange of gunfire is suspected to have been a second shooter. A third suspect remains at large, with authorities stating they cannot rule out the possibility that this person is among the victims. We’re still trying to figure this out,
said Seattle Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis, as reported by the Globe and Mail.
Victims and Injuries
The three victims identified by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office are: 19-year-old Junior Cee Niko Semo, who investigators say was one of the active shooters; 44-year-old Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, a father of three; and 56-year-old Ashley Whitehead. Two people died at the scene, and a third succumbed to injuries at the hospital. The four injured included a 2-year-old boy, who was in stable condition, as well as a 23-year-old man, a 27-year-old man, and a 39-year-old woman, all of whom were discharged from the hospital.
 "Photo: firstpost.com")
The police have not yet determined if the civilian victims were targeted or caught in crossfire.
Suspects and Police Response
The 15-year-old suspect, arrested at the scene, is facing allegations of first-degree assault and firearms offenses. A juvenile court judge ordered him to remain in custody while investigators probe the case. The King County Prosecutor’s Office is expected to review the case by Wednesday to decide whether to pursue juvenile or adult charges, according to Firstpost.
Preliminary court documents suggest the 15-year-old and a deceased individual were shooting at at least one other unknown suspect.
The investigation is also exploring the possibility of gang-related violence, as two groups allegedly exchanged gunfire during the chaos.
Event Chaos and Aftermath
The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. as the festival neared its end. Attendees described a sudden eruption of gunfire, prompting panic and mass evacuation. Faith Adia Hunter, a festivalgoer, recounted how she and friends fled into the Seattle Children’s Museum after hearing gunshots. We were right next to him when it started, so we took off running,
she said, per the Globe and Mail.
Vendors abandoned their food stalls, leaving grills and dishes behind. Roberto Ramirez, a vendor, described hearing “firecrackers” before the crowd began fleeing. Suddenly everything was empty,
he said. Police evacuated the Seattle Center campus, and a candlelight vigil was held at the International Fountain to honor the victims.
Unanswered Questions
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of shooters or the motive behind the attack. The deceased suspect’s identity remains undisclosed, and the third shooter’s status is under investigation. We’re still trying to figure this out,
Davis reiterated, highlighting the ongoing challenges in piecing together the events of the night.
The Bite of Seattle, which began in 1982, is a major community event featuring food vendors, artists, and performers. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on identifying all suspects and providing closure to the victims’ families.
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