SEATTLE — The Seattle Center will host a silent vigil Wednesday evening at the International Fountain to honor those affected by the violence that occurred during the Bite of Seattle on Sunday.
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The vigil is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. This is the second vigil to happen in the same place where the horrific tragedy took place. On Monday, a group of about 100 people gathered at Seattle Center’s International Fountain to honor the victims of the deadly shooting at the Bite of Seattle festival that left three people dead, including a suspect, and injured four innocent bystanders.
Ashley Whitehead, 56, and Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, were among those killed.
Whitehead was waiting in line for cotton candy with her daughter and future son-in-law when she was struck by gunfire. Her family said she survived long enough to tell her oldest daughter, “I love you,” before dying during surgery.
Family members of Sanchez Villalba said he was a husband and father of three who was spending time with loved ones at the festival when he was shot.
A 19-year-old man was one of the people who exchanged gunfire and died at the scene.
All of the surviving victims have been released from the hospital. The youngest victim, a 2-year-old, was the last to be discharged Monday night.
Community members are invited to gather in support of one another and bring a flower or a written message to place at the International Fountain as a space for reflection, compassion, and healing.
Seattle Center said the vigil is intended to honor everyone impacted by what it described as the “senseless act of violence” that occurred during the Bite of Seattle on Sunday.
Seattle Center is a 74-acre gathering place in the heart of Seattle and is home to more than 30 partner organizations, including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pacific Science Center, and many others.
The vigil is being held in partnership with the Seattle Mayor’s Office, Seattle Police Department, and Seattle Fire Department.
Public parking will be available for attendees in Seattle Center’s Fifth Avenue North and Mercer Street parking garages from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday.
Seattle Center staff will be stationed in both garages to help direct visitors.
