"Scendi, scendi": la sparatoria al festival gastronomico di Seattle catturata in diretta; 2 morti, 5 feriti

A mass shooting at Seattle’s popular Bite of Seattle food festival left two people dead and five others injured on Sunday afternoon, according to authorities. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. at the Seattle Center, a major hub for cultural and community events in the city. The gunfire erupted amid the bustling festival, which draws tens of thousands of attendees each year. Emergency services responded swiftly, and police cordoned off parts of the venue while launching an investigation into the attack. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that two individuals had been taken into custody, though officials have yet to disclose whether additional suspects are involved or provide a potential motive for the violence. Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the chaotic aftermath of the shooting. A livestream from a food vendor named Hawaiian Honey Cones recorded the initial moments of the attack, with a man shouting “Shooting! Shooting!” before another voice yelled, “Get down, get down, get down,” prompting festivalgoers to scatter in all directions. Social media platforms quickly filled with videos showing panicked crowds fleeing the scene, some leaping over fences and seeking refuge inside the Space Needle’s lobby. The footage revealed a heavy police presence, with multiple emergency vehicles and officers in tactical gear arriving at the site. Several witnesses recounted their experiences during the incident. Faith Adia Hunter, who was with friends nearby, said they fled the scene immediately upon hearing gunshots. Another attendee, Estan Wakonabo, described how people rushed past him and his girlfriend at a photo booth, causing confusion and fear. He mentioned seeing individuals fall to the ground and even baby strollers tumbling over as the crowd surged toward exits. Paul Skinner, a vendor operating a Filipino food stall, initially mistook the sounds for fireworks before realizing the danger. He instructed his staff to take cover, describing the sudden shift in atmosphere as people began to run in all directions. Todd Behrends, a witness, recalled hearing multiple shots before the panic set in. He described seeing a woman who had fallen after someone stepped on her leg and noted the sight of a woman lying on the ground and a man being carried away on a stretcher. Another person, speaking to local media, said they heard repeated gunfire followed by screams from the crowd. The Seattle Police Department confirmed the shooting via a statement on X, urging residents to stay clear of the area while investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The Bite of Seattle festival, first established in 1982, typically attracts around 350,000 visitors over three days of food, drinks, and entertainment. This year’s edition featured numerous local vendors and live music performances, drawing large crowds to the Seattle Center. The location, known for its iconic Space Needle, is a central gathering point for many of the city’s major events. The shooting has raised concerns among organizers and attendees about public safety at such high-profile gatherings. According to Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Grace Nunez, two individuals lost their lives at the scene, while five others were transported to Harborview Medical Center. Hospital spokesperson Susan Gregg confirmed that four victims were admitted, including a toddler, a 23-year-old man, and two adult women. One of the patients remains in critical condition. Details regarding the identities of the victims have not yet been released by authorities. Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, with no immediate indication of a suspect’s identity or the nature of the motive. As the probe unfolds, officials are expected to release more information about the circumstances leading to the shooting, as well as any potential connections to prior incidents or individuals. Meanwhile, the community grapples with the shock of the tragedy, as the festival, meant to celebrate local culture and cuisine, turned into a scene of chaos and loss.