'Sheer Panic' After Shooting in Downtown Seattle

Gunman still at large after 1 killed, 7 hurt
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 23, 2020 1:39 AM CST
1 Killed, 7 Hurt in Downtown Seattle Shooting
This photo provided by Suzanne Asprea shows the area of a deadly shooting in downtown Seattle on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020.   (Suzanne Asprea via AP)

At least one gunman is still at large after a shooting that caused panic in downtown Seattle Wednesday night. Police say one woman was killed and at least seven people were injured after a suspect or suspects opened fire outside a McDonald's around 5pm, the Seattle Times reports. Officials say the woman who died was in her 40s. The hospitalized victims include a 55-year-old woman in critical condition and a 9-year-old boy whose condition has been upgraded from serious to satisfactory, reports the AP. Witnesses say there was panic and chaos after shots rang out in the busiest part of downtown as the evening commute began.

"It was sheer panic," a witness identified as Bill tells KOMO News. "I've never seen anything like it." He says he saw at least 100 people run for cover after shots were fired. Other witnesses say they saw two men who had been walking down the street argue before pulling out weapons and shooting at each other. Police say they believe multiple shooters were involved and they are still trying to determine whether any of them are among the injured. This was the third shooting in downtown Seattle in the space of around 24 hours. The Downtown Seattle Association issued a statement urging officials to improve safety and "take back Third Avenue from the criminals who have laid claim to it." (More Seattle stories.)

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