SEATTLE — Crews are preparing Seattle Center to host Bumbershoot this weekend. The event comes a little over a month after the deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle.
Thousands of attendees are expected to gather at the location as organizers and city officials implement security measures.
Security has become a primary focus for city leaders and event organizers following the Bite of Seattle shooting, which left three people dead and four others injured. Seattle Police and Mayor Katie Wilson’s office are coordinating directly with festival planners to manage safety protocols.
Bumbershoot organizers outlined several safety protocols on the festival’s website, including entry-point metal detectors, increased third-party security personnel and an on-site Seattle Police Department presence. The festival also established a dedicated communications team to issue emergency information if necessary.
Taylor, a volunteer for Bumbershoot who has assisted with the festival for three years, spoke about the event’s environment and security.
“It’s a great spot for it. I’ve done this for three years now and hope to continue it as tradition,” Taylor said. “Having that ability to know I’m in a safe space really allows you to open up and explore those different facets.”
City leaders are also adjusting how they oversee security plans for large events.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Interim Police Chief Andre Sayles addressed safety preparations for future events.
“We are also ensuring that for major events moving forward, my office gets a briefing from SPD about their staffing plan and that we mutually know who those kind of point people are,” Wilson said.
The heightened security measures come as legal proceedings continue in the Bite of Seattle shooting. A 15-year-old suspect remains in custody, charged with assault in the first degree and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. The suspect’s attorneys requested release from custody, arguing the teen acted in self-defense. Prosecutors countered with photos showing the teen posing with dozens of guns at his home hours before the shooting occurred, leading a judge to deny the release request.
Seattle Police say they are seeking two additional persons of interest in connection with the Bite of Seattle investigation. Authorities noted they are not identifying those individuals as suspects.
The 15-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing on Oct. 8.
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