The International Fountain at Seattle Center will be quiet Wednesday evening. No splashing kids, no festival music. Just neighbors holding flowers and standing together for the three people killed at the Bite of Seattle on Sunday, July 26.
Seattle Center is hosting a free, open-to-all silent vigil at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at the International Fountain, 305 Harrison St. in Lower Queen Anne.
The gathering invites residents to bring a flower or a written message and place it at the fountain, according to Seattle Center's event listing. Seattle Center described the fountain as "a space of reflection, compassion, and healing."
Who the vigil honors
Three people were killed in the shooting Sunday evening during the Bite of Seattle food festival: Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, a father of three who was at the festival with loved ones; Ashley Whitehead, 56, who was waiting in line for cotton candy with her daughter when she was struck; and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19.
Four others were wounded, including a 2-year-old boy who was the last to be discharged from Harborview Medical Center on Monday, July 27, according to KOMO News.
Online fundraisers for Sanchez Villalba and Whitehead had raised more than $50,000 as of Tuesday, July 28.
Monday's vigil drew about 100 people
A community-led vigil Monday, July 27, drew about 100 people to the same fountain. Mayor Katie Wilson and Police Chief Shon Barnes attended.
The gathering ended with three minutes of silence, a prayer, and a community rendition of "This Little Light of Mine," KOMO reported. Seattle Center officials announced Wednesday's vigil at that gathering.
Dawn Johnston, who was at the Bite of Seattle when the shooting erupted, told KUOW: "I love this event. It brings everybody, all races, all income levels, all politics. It's just for food and fun. But we can get it back."
"No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event, gathering with friends, or experiencing their city," Mayor Wilson said in a statement on Sunday, July 26, the night of the shooting.
What we know about the investigation
Police believe the shooting was gang-related, with at least three people exchanging gunfire. A 15-year-old suspect is in custody on suspicion of three counts of first-degree assault and illegal firearm possession.
His arraignment is expected Thursday, July 30, in King County Superior Court, according to the Seattle Times. A third suspect remains at large. Two weapons with extended magazines were recovered, including a polymer "ghost gun" with a 33-round magazine.
Seattle Center also canceled its Workout Wednesday fitness classes and the Traditions: Connecting Threads of Shared Humanity exhibit at the A/NT Gallery this week, according to a campus notice.
Anyone needing support can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center at 206-744-1600, or the NAMI helpline at 800-950-6264.
Seattle community week ahead
- Wednesday, July 29, 6:30 p.m. | Lower Queen Anne, International Fountain at Seattle Center (305 Harrison St). Silent vigil honoring Bite of Seattle shooting victims. Free, open to all. Bring a flower or written message.
- Friday, July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 2 | South Seattle, Genesee Park (43rd Ave S & S Genesee St). Seafair Weekend Festival, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. Free general admission.
- Friday, July 31 – Sunday, Aug. 2 | Magnolia, Magnolia Playfield (W. Smith St. & 33rd Ave W). Magnolia Summerfest: live music, food vendors, Seafair parade, family activities.
- Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Ballard, Ballard P-Patch (8527 25th Ave NW). 24th Annual Art in the Garden. 30 artist booths, live music, bake sale, beer garden. Celebrates 50 years of the P-Patch. Raises funds for garden projects and Real Rent Duwamish.
.jpeg)
