Loved ones mourn victim in Seattle shooting as witnesses recover from traumatic night of gun violence

Seattle Police are investigating fatal shots in Pioneer Square

SEATTLE – Witnesses to the Pioneer Square shooting said the gunshots had just started to ring early Sunday morning when bars and nightclubs closed.

“I counted about 22 shots,” said Jim Knauff, hearing the shots from his bedroom. “I hate to say it, it’s pretty common down here.”

“Someone looks at me and says, ‘Shoot! Shoot! ‘”Said the witness Shalon Bowne. “I let everyone in and someone had a panic attack. I tried to comfort them most of the time. It was scary.”

CONNECTED: 2 arrested in connection with one of multiple shootings in downtown Seattle that killed 3 people

Seattle police said the shooting was reported around 2:32 a.m. and at least five people were injured. Three of them were killed, according to police.

Three of the victims were taken to hospital in private vehicles.

Family members identified one of the victims as Dante King, 22, during a candlelight vigil on Sunday evening.

Family members said Dante King, 22, was one of the victims in the Pioneer Square shooting.

Witnesses and business owners told Q13 News that the shooting apparently took place after one of the nightclubs closed.

“I just know the facts are that Stage let people out, then the incident happened,” said Anthony Frazier.

Frazier is the owner and operator of the Trinity Night Club. He said he was grateful that none of his staff or his guests were injured and said his nightclub was still at full capacity when the gunfire started.

Frazier said his general manager saw the excitement outside and went out to see what was happening.

“There were several hundred people in the parking lot where the shooting took place,” said Frazier. “He just saw a lot of people in this area and went back to the club and heard the gunshots and just snuck behind a car. Until the gunshots stopped, which there were many, he even went and made sure that everyone stayed inside [Trinity Night Club], secured the door and then we just waited until we felt safe enough to open the doors again. “

The weekend violence during Seattle’s Welcome Back Weeks, which are events focused on rebuilding efforts in the downtown area.

“We’ve heard from small business owners, we’ve heard from our stakeholders that downtown public safety is a concern,” said Mayor’s spokeswoman Kelsey Nyland. “Seattle Police are actively investigating what happened last night. We have a mobile station here today. Protecting health and safety is a top priority for us in the mayor’s office.”

The investigation continues. If you have information, you can submit an anonymous time to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS or visiting the P3 Tips app.

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