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Bite of Seattle Gunfight Kills Three; Police Chief Faces Scrutiny Over Absence

Investigators say multiple people took part in the exchange of gunfire, prompting questions about slow public briefings and leadership during the response.

Overview

  • A gunfight outside the Bite of Seattle festival late Sunday night left three people dead and four wounded, including a toddler who was later released from the hospital.
  • Authorities say at least three people were involved, a 19-year-old suspected shooter was killed, a 15-year-old was detained and a separate suspect remains at large.
  • Officials took nearly five hours to confirm suspect custody status and the mayor’s office briefly issued an incorrect statement that two people were in custody.
  • Chief Shon Barnes confirmed he was in Dallas at the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference when the shooting occurred and later had a viral hallway confrontation with a reporter about his absence.
  • Investigators are pursuing possible gang-related motives and juvenile-court proceedings for the detained teen while city leaders face pressure to improve rapid public communication and crowd safety at large events.