The Seattle Center is hosting its biggest event this Labor Day weekend since the Bite of Seattle, where three people were killed in a suspected gang shooting. Police say two of the people who died in the July 26th shooting were innocent bystanders.
The tens of thousands of people attending the annual Bumbershoot music and arts festival are seeing tighter security, much of which has been in place for years at the ticketed event.
Fencing surrounds the perimeter of the Seattle Center during Bumbershoot. Festivalgoers must enter through specific gates, have their bags searched, and pass through metal detectors.
John Barrysmith says the rules even apply to vendors, like him. “It’s like going through the airport. You’ve got to put your phone in a basket and do all that stuff too. So they’re taking all the precautions necessary.”
A statement on the Bumbershoot website explains, “Bumbershoot works in partnership with Seattle Center, the Seattle Police Department, and professional third-party security providers to follow established safety and security practices.”
By contrast, the Bite of Seattle was a free, open event. There were no fences, gates, or deep security screenings the night gunfire rang out.
Cole McCallun says he was at the Seattle Center during the shooting. “It didn’t deter me from coming out today, but like, I take more precautions and watch out,” McCallun said.
Hunter Kaimi agreed, saying, “Like our heads are always on a swivel- right?” Kaimi said as he told KIRO 7 that he believes gun violence can happen anywhere and anytime in the US.
But Kaimi, who said he has fond memories of attending the long-running Bumbershoot festival, added, “I don’t want to let that fear of something like that occurring again take place and take precedence over the excitement of being able to come to a place that I enjoyed as a child.”
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