SEATTLE — Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes says that investigators now believe the mass shooting at Seattle Center that killed two innocent bystanders, and wounded four others was gang-related, and found both a ghost gun and a Glock 45 modified with a fully automatic switch at the scene.
A third person who was killed in the shooting, identified as 19-year-old Junior Cee Niko Semo, is believed to be one of the suspects in the shooting.
During a Tuesday morning news conference, both Barnes and Mayor Katie Wilson gave statements. Wilson said city officials are reaching out to Bite of Seattle vendors to see what support is needed, and maintaining contact with victims and their families.
Barnes said the investigation has determined the shooting was a targeted incident and there is likely no outstanding danger to the public. He also reiterated that the 15-year-old currently in custody and the 19-year-old found dead at the scene were believed to be the shooters.
Police believe the shooting was gang-related violence and are currently trying to determine which groups were involved.
Detectives are continuing to search for an unidentified third suspect believed to be involved. Barnes said it was “possible” there could be more than one outstanding suspect and that there were conflicting witness statements.
Investigators recovered three guns as part of the investigation, and 14 shell casings at the scene.
Police said the 15-year-old suspect was allegedly carrying a Polymer80 9mm ghost gun with an extended 33-round magazine containing 19 rounds when it was recovered.
Ghost guns are untraceable firearms without serial numbers, often assembled at home.
A second firearm, a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol with a standard magazine holding seven rounds, was also seized, though detectives do not believe it was used in the shooting.
During cleanup at the Seattle Center food vendor area Monday, July 27, investigators also recovered a Glock 45 9mm pistol equipped with a fully automatic switch and an extended 40-round magazine containing 21 rounds. Detectives believe the ghost gun and Glock 45 were used in the shooting, though ballistic testing is still pending.
PHOTOS | Crime scene investigators return to shooting site
Detectives are reviewing videos and photographs, interviewing survivors and witnesses, and following up on more than 80 tips submitted to the department’s tip line since the shooting.
Barnes said investigators have interviewed all known survivors and witnesses and urged a potential eighth victim who reportedly sought treatment at UW Medicine to come forward so detectives can speak with them.
The chief also said Seattle police will increase staffing at Seattle Center events throughout the remainder of the month.
Earlier Tuesday morning, several police officers and crime scene investigators returned to Seattle Center.
Investigators were seen outside a large tent containing a garbage-filled dumpster. A crime scene investigation unit returned to the scene, where an investigator used a metal detector to scan the fenced-off area surrounding the tent.
“I don’t have the particulars on why officers returned, but follow-up is a part of the investigation process,” Seattle Police Department Detective Brian Pritchard told KOMO News when asked why investigators had returned.
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Authorities said the 15-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting and is currently in custody. Police also said the 19-year-old who died in the shooting was a suspect, and that investigators are still tracking down a third alleged suspect.
The three people killed were identified Monday. The two innocent bystanders who were killed in the crossfire were identified as Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, and Ashley Whitehead, 56.
PHOTOS | Scene of mass shooting at Bite of Seattle
Police said the 19-year-old suspect, Semo, and Sanchez Villalba died at the scene. Whitehead was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where she later died.
At least four other people were injured and taken to the hospital. All were released on Monday, including a 2-year-old boy.
Mayor Wilson, Barnes, and community members gathered for a vigil Monday night.
“This is not something that we can keep letting happen in our community,” Wilson said.
Overnight, Bite of Seattle posted a message on its official Instagram page saying it was devastated by the incident.
“Bite of Seattle has always been a gathering place rooted in food and connection. Today we stand in solidarity with everyone grieving this tragedy. Our hearts remain with everyone impacted.”
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As the investigation continues, former King County Sheriff and congressman Dave Reichert criticized the hours-long delay by police and city leadership in updating the public after the shooting.
“That update should’ve been within an hour… (there’s) a lack of concern for the community in general,” he said.
He also said the shooting had the hallmarks of gang violence.
City leaders acknowledged the city did not activate its public alert system to warn people there was an active shooter.
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Asked why no texts were sent through the city’s alert system, Wilson said, “I’m not sure that that’s a tool that we normally use in situations like this. I think we were focusing on getting accurate information out through our normal communications channels, and also not creating undue fear and confusion.”
The City Council’s public safety chair, Bob Kettle, told KOMO senior reporter Chris Daniels there was no good answer for the lack of communication.
Mayor Wilson said Tuesday that there will be another vigil at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the fountain in Seattle Center.
