Seattle, Washington — A video posted by a Washington-based TikTok creator questioning security at Seattle’s popular Bite of Seattle food festival has gained widespread attention after a mass shooting left three people dead and four others injured just one day later. The resurfaced footage has intensified public scrutiny over security measures at one of the city’s largest annual events.
TikToker Raised Security Concerns Before the Shooting
The content creator, known online as Leebo, visited the festival on Saturday and shared a video expressing surprise at what he described as the apparent lack of security.
According to the video, attendees were able to enter the festival without bag checks or pat-downs, and he said he did not notice security personnel actively monitoring the grounds.
As he walked through the crowded event, Leebo questioned how thousands of visitors could enter such a large festival without more visible safety precautions.
After Sunday’s shooting, he posted another video claiming there were no metal detectors or security officers patrolling with dogs, criticizing festival organizers over what he viewed as insufficient security.
The Bite of Seattle festival attracts approximately 350,000 visitors over three days and has been held annually since 1982, with the Seattle Center serving as its home since 1986.
Three Killed as Gunfire Erupts During Festival
The shooting unfolded at approximately 6 p.m. Sunday, only hours before the festival was scheduled to conclude.
Authorities confirmed that three people died, while four others were injured.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third later died at a local hospital after being transported for emergency treatment.
Among those injured was a 2-year-old boy, along with a 23-year-old man and two adult women. Officials said victims suffered gunshot wounds to the arm, abdomen, and leg.
Investigators continue working to determine what led to the shooting and whether multiple suspects were directly involved.
Witnesses Describe Panic and Chaos
Festival attendees described terrifying moments as gunfire echoed across the crowded event. One worker told local media he heard repeated gunshots before helping lift children over a fence so they could escape safely.
Another witness said they initially mistook the sounds for something less serious before crowds suddenly began running.
“Someone said ‘active shooter,’ and I ran. I jumped the fence.”
Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of people taking shelter inside the Space Needle gift shop as police responded to the scene.
Witness Estan Wakonabo, 25, described people pushing and falling while trying to escape.
According to his account, strollers overturned, people trampled over one another, and families desperately searched for safety amid the confusion.
Vendor Roberto Ramirez said he first believed the sounds were fireworks before hearing people yell “shooter.”
He recalled that the busy festival grounds emptied almost instantly as attendees fled.
Live Video Captured the Moment Gunfire Began
A livestream from food vendor Hawaiian Honey Cones recorded the frightening moment shots rang out.
During the broadcast, loud popping sounds interrupted the video before voices could be heard shouting “Shooting! Shooting!” Vendor Christopher Monterroso immediately warned staff to get down as frightened festivalgoers rushed away from the area.
The footage has since circulated widely online as investigators piece together the timeline of events.
Investigation Continues as Police Search for Second Suspect
Seattle police confirmed that one suspect has been taken into custody, while another suspect remains at large.
Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis said the outstanding suspect is believed to be a young person, though officials have not disclosed whether that individual is a juvenile or an adult.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding a possible motive or the relationship between those involved.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
What do you think about security measures at large public festivals? Should events with massive crowds require stricter screening before entry? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
