SEATTLE (VINnews)- Two people were killed and five others wounded, including a 2-year-old boy, when gunfire erupted Sunday evening at Seattle Center during the Bite of Seattle food festival, authorities said. Two suspects were taken into custody, Mayor Katie Wilson said.

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. near Sue Bird Court and Thomas Street in the area of the Armory and a fountain, where large crowds had gathered for the annual free event featuring food vendors and live music near the Space Needle. Seattle police reported multiple victims and urged the public to avoid the area as officers and emergency crews flooded the scene. The center was evacuated.

Seattle Fire Department personnel pronounced two people dead at the scene after unsuccessful lifesaving efforts. Four patients were taken to Harborview Medical Center with gunshot wounds to the arm, leg, abdomen and lower leg. A fifth person with minor injuries declined transport.

Harborview officials said one adult woman remained in critical condition and was undergoing surgery. The other patients, including the toddler, a 23-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, were in satisfactory or stable condition. A 56-year-old woman had been listed in serious condition.

Witnesses told local media they heard seven or eight shots near the fountain. Some initially mistook the sounds for something else before shouts of an active shooter sent crowds fleeing. One event worker described helping lift children over a fence to safety.

Wilson said in a statement that police took two suspects into custody. She called the shooting “an act of horrific violence” at a gathering meant for culture, connection and joy. “No one should have to weigh the risk of being shot before attending an event,” she said. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said the Washington State Patrol SWAT team was assisting at the request of Seattle police.

The FBI was aware of the incident. The investigation continued early Monday with no further details released on a possible motive or the identities of those in custody.

Bite of Seattle, which began in 1982, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors over several days. It was in its final day when the shooting occurred.

Officials directed people experiencing mental health crises related to the trauma to call or text 988.