Two killed, child among at least four wounded near Seattle Space Needle; one suspect held

Two people were killed and at least four others, including a child, were wounded in a shooting at Seattle Center near the Space Needle on Sunday, according to US media and a local hospital.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said one suspect had been taken into custody. She had initially said two people were in custody.

Fire department officials confirmed two deaths, according to NBC News and CNN. Seattle police said there were multiple shooting victims and were expected to provide further information at a news conference late Sunday.

Harborview Medical Center spokesperson Susan Gregg said four patients were being treated at the hospital’s trauma centre: a child, a woman of unknown age who was undergoing surgery, a 23-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman.

Gregg said information from the scene had left authorities uncertain whether more than one person had opened fire.

The shooting took place during the Bite of Seattle summer festival, which features local businesses and food vendors.

A Seattle Times reporter said they heard several loud pops followed by what sounded like rapid gunfire.