By Aaron Allen, Seattle Medium
Two teenagers believed to be Seattle Public Schools students were fatally shot Friday afternoon at a bus stop near South Shore PreK-8, just blocks from Rainier Beach High School, according to Seattle Public Schools officials.
Seattle police responded around 4 p.m. to reports of gunfire near Rainier Avenue South and South Henderson Street. Officers arriving at the scene found two males with apparent gunshot wounds. They administered emergency medical aid until the Seattle Fire Department arrived and pronounced both victims dead at the scene.
The Seattle Fire Department confirmed both victims were male but did not release their ages. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to determine their identities and took custody of the bodies.
A community resident who lives near the incident said, “We were just chilling in our room, and we heard multiple gunshots.”
According to police reports, a suspect fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. Despite a search by police and deputies, the suspect was not located. Authorities have released limited information about a possible suspect, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Seattle Public Schools issued a statement earlier Friday acknowledging the shootings near multiple school campuses in the Rainier Beach corridor. Later that evening, a more detailed message was sent to all SPS families at approximately 7:05 p.m.
“It is with profound heartbreak that I share the devastating news of the death of two teenagers believed to be Seattle Public Schools students, who were tragically shot at a bus stop near South Shore PreK-8 today after school,” wrote Superintendent Fred Podesta.
“The loss is almost impossible to put into words, and it is made even more painful by the reality that tragedies like this are becoming far too common in our communities,” the message stated. “Our deepest condolences are with the students’ families, friends, and all who knew and loved them.”
Out of caution and care for the school community, all activities at Rainier Beach, Alan T. Sugiyama High School, and South Shore PreK-8 were canceled for the remainder of the evening and weekend. Additional cancellations may follow.
Podesta added that SPS is “mobilizing support services for students, staff, and families as they grieve and begin to process this profound loss.”
“I am deeply appreciative of the swift actions taken by SPD, the SPS Safety and Security team, and all our staff at nearby schools who ushered students to safety,” wrote Podesta. “Thank you for your rapid response in securing campuses and providing support to our students and families.”
Crime Scene Investigation personnel and homicide detectives arrived Friday to process the scene. Police cordoned off the area throughout the evening.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
