Three have been killed and four more injured in a mass shooting at a food festival in Seattle.
A police manhunt is underway for a second gunman after the horror attack took place at the Seattle Center, close to the city's Space Needle.
Blasts could be heard at 6pm local time last night as families enjoyed the annual Bite of Seattle festival, a three-day festival with thousands of attendees, in the heart of the US city.
Shocking video footage captured terrified festival-goers fleeing the scene, taking shelter underneath the city's landmark and hiding behind pillars and shelves of merchandise in the lobby.
Two of the victims died at the scene while the third was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where they died from their wounds.
Among those injured included a two-year-old boy. Four were rushed to hospital and remain in a stable condition.
The city's fire department confirmed a fifth injured individual opted out of going to hospital.
Officials said it remains unknown whether those killed or injured were "innocent bystanders".
A police manhunt is underway
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One suspect was arrested at the scene who was described as a "young person". The second suspect, however, fled authorities and is now on the run.
Assistant Chief of Seattle Police, Tyrone Davis, said both suspects were believed to be trying to shoot at one another as he confirmed an investigation was underway.
Overnight, he told reporters that officers believe there is "no outstanding threat to the community" after the first suspect "gave up" and was taken into custody.
Officials representing the area have since spoken out to condemn the "unbelievable tragedy and horrific act of violence".
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Both suspects were believed to have been shooting at one another
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Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said there was "far too much gun violence in this city and in this country" after the city had experienced several "major incidents" over the past week.
Condemning the violence, the Mayor continued: "Impacted families are living through the worst moment of their lives, and an entire community is trying to understand how a gathering built around culture, connection, and joy ended in gunfire.
"Tonight, our attention belongs to the people whose lives were taken, those fighting to recover, and the families beside them.
"Seattle grieves with you, and we will stand with you in the difficult days ahead."
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson confirmed he was receiving briefings on the "ongoing reponse" to the tragedy.
The Democrat continued: "The Washington State Patrol Swat team is on the way to assist, at the request of the Seattle Police Department.
"Please continue to avoid the area. If you are in the area, please follow directions from law enforcement. My prayers are with the families of the victims, and the responders as they work to keep people safe."
Meanwhile, Seattle's Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said: "Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this senseless violence.
"We are in close touch with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Governor Bob Ferguson, and co-ordinating across multiple levels of government to get updates on the situation."