4 women killed in shooting at US mall

Police are searching for one shooter and are sweeping stores in the Cascade mall, Sgt Mark Francis said about the shooting in Burlington, about a 100 km north of Seattle. Authorities said four women were killed in the shooting while a man was critically wounded. 

Francis, a spokesman for the state patrol, said the victims were shot in the makeup department of the Macy’s store. 

“We have one adult male victim from the Burlington mall shooting who arrived by air on Saturday evening to Harborview Medical Center at approximately 9.30 pm (local time Friday). He is in critical condition,” hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg told reporters. Authorities released a surveillance image of the suspect apparently walking through a store and holding a rifle. 

Francis said police did not know the gunman’s motive. He said the ages of the victims appeared to range from their 20s to elderly, but had no further identifying information. Washington Governor Jay Inslee said in a statement that many questions remain but state patrol and local law enforcement are on the scene working swiftly to locate the shooter and clear the area.

“We urge residents to heed all safety and detour warnings. Stay close to your friends and loved ones as we await more information and, hopefully, news of the suspect’s capture,” Inslee said.