GUN VIOLENCE

5 Dead in Mall Shooting, Suspect On the Run

Shooter still on the run after attack in Burlington.

Five people were killed in a shooting at Cascade Mall in Burlington, Washington, on Friday night, and police have launched a manhunt for the suspected shooter. Four women died at the scene, and a fifth victim, a man, later died in the hospital. Police say they believe there was only one shooter, who was described as a Hispanic male wearing a black T-shirt. Witnesses said the man walked into a Macy’s armed with a rifle and immediately began firing at shoppers. Police evacuated the shopping center amid panic and confusion. One witness, Armando Patino, was cited by CNN as saying, “Out of nowhere I just hear somebody yell and then after that, I turn around and just look at the Macy’s and I just hear shots.” Patino continued, “I hear one shot and then stand kinda still and like two three other people start running out saying, ‘gun.’” The shooting occurred at around 7 p.m., though as of midnight, police said the area was still an active scene and warned people to stay away. Police brought in K-9 units to search the mall for the shooter, and the FBI office in Seattle said it was helping with the investigation. Police say there is no evidence to suggest the attack was an act of terrorism.