Seattle mourns after deadly food festival shooting
The city of Seattle is still reeling from a brutal gunfight that occurred on Sunday at the Bite of Seattle food festival, killing three men and injuring four others. Victims Junior Cee Niko Semo (19), Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba (44) and Ashley Whitehead (56) left families grappling with unimaginable loss.
A large crowd gathered at City Hall’s amphitheater for a candlelight vigil. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Police Chief Ben Reed joined community members folding flowers and lighting candles to honor the dead.
Public relief funds raised through GoFundMe reported over ten thousand dollars for Villalba’s family and donations for Whitehead, who was standing in line for cotton candy when gunfire erupted. Family members recounted her final moments, saying she exchanged heartfelt “I love you” remarks with her eldest daughter before her life was taken.
Villalba’s tribute read: “He was a devoted husband, loving father of three and a loyal friend who would do anything for anyone.” The note highlighted his kindness, noting the sudden loss left his wife and children facing an uncertain future.
Mayor Wilson condemned the violence, declaring “This is not acceptable. No father, no parent should have to bury their child.” The statement was echoed by Governor Bob Ferguson, who posted on social media that the community was “shocked” and struggling to understand how a beloved event could turn into tragedy.
Police say Semo may have been involved in the shootout, and they have apprehended one suspect while a second remains at large. The incident occurred during the final day of the free festival, which attracts roughly 350,000 people each year.
As the city attempts to heal, installers of public memorials and online fundraising continue to help families honor their loved ones and keep the memory of the victims alive.
