A summer festival dedicated to taste and community was transformed into a warzone of unimaginable horror Sunday evening, as a hail of gunfire turned Seattle Center’s Bite of Seattle into a scene of carnage. Three innocent lives were brutally cut short, and at least four others—including a two-year-old boy—were left fighting for survival after a brazen shootout erupted in broad daylight near the iconic fountain.

Witnesses described a scene of pure pandemonium. “Seven to eight shots, right at the fountain,” one shaken attendee recounted. Another worker, who thought the initial pops were part of a game, said everything “just went white” as families screamed and scrambled over fences to escape the bullets. One hero emerged from the chaos: a worker who helped lift stranded children over a barrier to safety while gunfire rang out.

The senseless violence, which police believe started as a shootout between two individuals—neither of whom were targeting the public—has left a city reeling. One “young person” is in custody, apprehended by officers already posted at the event, while a second suspect remains at large. Two weapons were recovered at the scene, but police are tight-lipped on motives, refusing to comment on whether the bloodshed was gang-related.

The victims tell a story of random, devastating tragedy. A 39-year-old woman, a 23-year-old man, and the toddler are all listed in stable condition with gunshot wounds to limbs and abdomen. A 56-year-old woman is in serious condition. But the gravest news came late Sunday: a victim who had been transported to Harborview Medical Center succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to three. Another victim reportedly drove themselves to a separate hospital.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson issued a somber statement, calling the act “horrific violence” and acknowledging that “impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives.” She thanked first responders and event staff who helped amidst the “terrifying circumstances.” Governor Bob Ferguson also released a statement condemning the violence.

Yet, as the crime scene tape goes up and the politicians offer platitudes, a community is left shattered. A festival of joy now forever remembered for its screams. A public space now a monument to fear. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office promises the arrested suspect will face swift justice, but for the families of the dead and wounded, and for a toddler who will forever bear the scars of this day, no court verdict will ever be enough.