Seattle police have charged a 15‑year‑old juvenile with first‑degree assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm after a deadly shootout at the Bite of Seattle food festival on July 26. The teen, whose name is being withheld because of his juvenile status, maintains he acted in self‑defense after two unidentified suspects opened fire toward him and his friend.
Incident details
According to court documents obtained by KOMO News, the teen pulled a handgun from a pouch and returned fire when shots rang out near the Seattle Center Armory, close to the Space Needle. The exchange of gunfire sent festivalgoers fleeing the area. Three people were killed – a 19‑year‑old man, a 44‑year‑old man and a 56‑year‑old woman – and four others were wounded, including a 2‑year‑old child.
Police have described the event as a gang‑related shootout, with multiple firearms recovered at the scene, including a polymer‑80 “ghost gun” allegedly used by the teen. The weapon lacked a standard serial number and was fitted with an extended magazine capable of holding more than 30 rounds.
Legal proceedings
The teen’s public defender, Hong Tran, filed a memorandum stating that several eyewitnesses corroborated the teen’s claim that he was shot at first and responded only to protect himself. Video obtained by KOMO News appears to show officers taking the juvenile into custody shortly after the gunfire.
Prosecutors, however, argue the teen’s actions were reckless, noting that his shots were fired into a densely packed crowd of adults and children. Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Logan Bryant called the teen’s conduct “a greater threat to the community than any other.” The teen’s shots were not linked to the three fatalities, according to court records.
Ongoing investigation
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says no additional suspects have been referred for prosecution, though Seattle Police have identified two potential persons of interest after reviewing roughly 450 hours of video. Interim Seattle Police Chief Andre Sayles cautioned that investigators have not yet determined whether those individuals opened fire.
The teen’s request for release to electronic monitoring at his father’s home was denied, and he remains in custody pending a status hearing in October. Prosecutors plan to seek a transfer of the case to adult court in November.
Community impact
The shooting has sparked criticism of the city’s communication during the crisis and raised questions about public‑safety protocols at large events. Local leaders are urging a thorough review of emergency alert procedures and security measures for future festivals.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
