Two people were killed and five others, including a two-year-old boy, were injured after gunfire erupted during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival at Seattle Center on Sunday evening, authorities said.

The shooting occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. local time near the Seattle Center, adjacent to the city's iconic Space Needle, where thousands of people had gathered for the final day of the three-day festival, which typically attracts around 350,000 visitors.

According to the Seattle Fire Department, two victims died despite lifesaving efforts, while five others sustained gunshot wounds. The injured include a 2-year-old boy, a 23-year-old man, and three women aged 39, 40 and 56. The 56-year-old woman underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition, while the toddler and two other victims are reported to be in stable condition. One woman suffered minor injuries and declined transportation to hospital. 

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that at least one suspect has been taken into custody, while police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Some media outlets later reported that authorities were questioning additional individuals, though police have not confirmed whether more suspects were involved.

The shooting triggered widespread panic as festival-goers fled the area. Witnesses described hearing multiple rounds of gunfire before crowds began running for cover.

"It was pure chaos," one attendee told local media, while another said people were pushing one another to escape, with baby strollers overturned and families becoming separated during the frantic rush.

Harborview Medical Center, which received several of the victims, temporarily entered partial lockdown as a precaution while emergency responders treated the wounded and police secured the area.

The Seattle Police Department cordoned off large sections of Seattle Center and urged residents to avoid the area as investigators processed the crime scene and searched for evidence. Detectives have not yet released the identities of the deceased or disclosed a possible motive for the attack.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson expressed condolences to the victims' families, saying the state was mourning those killed in the tragedy. Mayor Wilson described the attack as a horrific act of violence that shattered what was meant to be a celebration of community, culture and food.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have appealed to anyone who witnessed the shooting or recorded video footage of the incident to contact investigators. (ILKHA)