SEATTLE, WA – A fatal shooting occurred on a Seattle light rail train late Sunday evening, leaving a 26-year-old man dead and the suspect at large, according to local authorities. The incident was reported around 11:30 p.m. at the downtown light rail, as stated by the Seattle Police Department.
The victim was found at the University Street Station, where he succumbed to his injuries despite attempts at life-saving measures. The shooting took place while the train was in transit between the Pioneer Square and University Street stations. The suspect, who has yet to be identified, fled the scene post-shooting, and investigations are underway to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The shooting caused several hours of delays for the light rail trains. This incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks that have occurred on Seattle’s light rail system over the past year, which includes a series of separate incidents involving knives, a hammer, and a rock, resulting in injuries to about half a dozen people.
John Gallagher, a spokesperson for Sound Transit, expressed concern over the recent attacks, emphasizing that safety is their top priority. He stated that the agency is in the early stages of understanding the incident. Sound Transit has received 105 assault reports this year, a significant increase compared to previous years.
The rise in reported assaults is partially due to an increased security presence at transit stations. In response to the escalating violence, Sound Transit has approved contracts with four private security companies, allocating $250 million for the hiring of up to 300 guards from 2023 to 2026. The agency plans to further enhance visible security in the coming weeks following Sunday’s fatal incident.