A mass shooting at a hookah lounge in south Seattle has left three people dead and six others wounded. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Mount Baker neighborhood. Authorities have not yet released any information about the possible suspect(s) involved. Police responded to multiple 911 calls around 4:30 a.m.
At the scene, two men aged 22 and 33 were pronounced dead, while a 30-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries at Harborview Medical Center. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed at this time. Among the six individuals wounded, a 23-year-old man is in critical condition, while the others are in satisfactory condition. The injured victims range in age from 21 to 38.
This is not the first time that violence has occurred near the hookah lounge. A previous incident involving shots fired took place the night before, although it remains unclear whether it is directly related to the shooting at the establishment. During a press conference, Police Chief Adrian Diaz acknowledged the incident but did not confirm any connection to the latest hookah lounge shooting.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting. Five firearms were recovered at the scene by investigators. Police Chief Diaz expressed his worry about the disregard for life exhibited by individuals who resort to using firearms.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a statement expressing his concern about the availability of illegal guns in the wrong hands. Despite the Seattle Police Department’s efforts to recover firearms, with 869 guns seized through July, violent shootings continue to pose a threat to the community.