Four women killed in US mall shooting
LOS ANGELES ( AFP) — A manhunt was under way after a gunman killed at least four women and wounded one other late Friday during a shooting at a mall in the US state of Washington.
Police spokesman Sergeant Mark Francis said authorities believed there was only one shooter in the attack at Cascade Mall in Burlington, describing him as a “Hispanic male wearing gray.”
Police released a closely cropped still from video surveillance of the young-looking suspect showing only his head and torso, though the full picture, published by local media, showed him holding what appears to be a rifle while walking in a clothing retail store.
Four women were killed and one man who suffered life-threatening injuries was taken to hospital, police said in an updated toll.
Police received calls around 6:58 p.m. that shots were fired at the mall, located about 110 kilometers north of Seattle in the US Pacific Northwest state, Trooper Rick Johnson, another spokesman, told CNN.
“Right now, we can’t assume anything. So they’re still interviewing witnesses and trying to get a good idea of exactly what action to take next. We’re just asking people to, obviously, stay away from the area,” he said.
“Stay inside and obviously report anything suspicious that they may see.”
The suspect was last seen walking toward a local highway from the mall before police arrived, Francis said on Twitter.
The mall was evacuated, police swarmed the area and medics rushed to the scene after the mall was initially placed on lockdown.