Crime & Safety
UPDATE: Two Killed, Three Injured After Shooting at Seattle Homeless Encampment
Police said the shooting was believed to be "targeted."
SEATTLE, WA - Two people were killed and three others wounded following a shooting at an homeless encampment in Seattle Tuesday night.
Police received reports of gunfire near the 1500 block of Airport Way South, located south of downtown Seattle, around 7:20 p.m., according to Seattle PD.
“Officers began searching a greenbelt in the area–sometimes colloquially referred to as “The Jungle”–and found the five victims,” a statement from Seattle police said.
According to police, the victims were, ”specifically targeted.” Two victims were killed in the incident and three others are in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center. One of the victims listed as critical is reported to be in more stable condition. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene and the second victim succumbed to injuries at Harborview Medical Center.
Seattle Mayor Ed Murray had given a special address on the issue of homelessness in the city earlier in the day. Later speaking at a press conference, he said, “we are involved in a homeless crisis, the likes that we have not seen since the great depression.” Murray said the area known as the jungle had been unmanageable for nearly two decades. KIRO-TV reports there were at least two homicides in the area in 2009.
Last week, Murray issued an emergency order establishing two safe lots for families and individuals that live in RVs and cars.
“It was an actual plea that Seattle by ourselves cannot deal with this crisis. It was an actual plea to the state and federal government to assist us,” he said at the press conference.
Police have identified two persons of interest in the shooting but declined to provide any further description on the suspects. The suspects have not been taken into custody.
The shooting is the largest in Seattle since a shooting at a cafe in May 2012 that left five people dead, according to KIRO-TV.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact (206) 233-5000.
Check back for updates on this story.
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