Seattle, Washington — Seattle police arrested a 21-year-old man armed with a shotgun and a handgun near the Space Needle during the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday evening.
According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded around 7:20 p.m. on December 31 after receiving reports of a man sitting on a bench near the Pacific Science Center while holding a partially concealed shotgun. Witnesses reported that the man was gripping the firearm and facing an area where large crowds had gathered to watch the fireworks, causing public concern.
Officers assigned to the event center approached and arrested the suspect without incident. Police said the man, dressed in all black and wearing a red hat with the word “WAR” written on it, cooperated fully during the arrest. Officers safely recovered the shotgun and also found that the suspect was carrying a handgun. Police confirmed he possessed a valid concealed carry permit for the pistol.
Detectives from the Criminal Intelligence Unit responded to assist patrol officers. Members of the Community Response Group located the suspect’s vehicle nearby, which was then examined by the SPD Arson Bomb Squad (ABS). After a thorough sweep, no additional weapons or explosives were found, and authorities determined the vehicle posed no threat to public safety.
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail on suspicion of unlawful use of weapons. In addition, the Seattle Center Emergency Services Unit, which provides campus security, issued the man a one-year trespass warning from the Seattle Center.
Detectives have referred the case to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for review and potential charges.
Incident Number: 2025-381707
Armed man arrested during New Year’s Eve celebration:https://t.co/UKiXQCypoe
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) January 2, 2026
