A violent incident unfolded in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood on Friday night, leaving five individuals shot and injured. The shooting occurred outside a Safeway supermarket on 9200 Rainier Avenue South, shortly after 9 p.m., according to local authorities.
Four victims were rushed to Harborview Medical Center for immediate medical attention. The hospital has confirmed that while three victims are expected to fully recover, one individual is battling life-threatening injuries. According to reports, the fifth victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz revealed that an alarming number of bullets were discharged during the incident. He estimated that “dozens and dozens” of rounds were fired. The victims, all in their 20s, were caught in the crossfire during a community outreach event.
The event, part of the Seattle Community Safety Initiative, has regularly occurred in the supermarket’s parking lot every Friday night for almost two years. The initiative aims to provide a safe and peaceful environment for community members, offering free food, music, and supplies as a means to deter violence.
Seattle’s Mayor, Bruce Harrell, who was present at the scene, expressed his concern over the proliferation of firearms. He lamented that “too many guns are in the wrong places and in the wrong hands.”
The police are currently on the hunt for two suspects believed to be involved in the shooting. However, they have yet to release a description of the individuals or the vehicle they were using. The motive behind the shooting and whether the victims were specifically targeted remains unclear.