A gunman opened fire in a shopping centre in Burlington about 60 miles north of Seattle last night, the Independent reports.
The lone gunman began shooting with a rifle in the packed centre and killed three people. Another person is seriously ill as a result of his injuries.
Washington State police have stated that they are searching for a Hispanic man wearing black who was spotted after the shooting walking to a nearby motorway.
The authorities are uncertain of the motive behind this horrific killing spree.
Initial reports stated that four were murdered in the attack but after evacuating the centre, police were able to ascertain that the victims were three females who died at the scene, one man who is being treated currently for serious, life-threatening injuries and another woman who is also injured though not critically.
The centre was evacuated by about 8.30 pm local time.
A witness, Tari Caswell spoke about the ordeal, describing the gunfire as "what sounded like four balloons popping".
"Then I heard seven or eight more, and I just stayed quiet in the dressing room because it just didn't feel right. And it got very quiet. And then I heard a lady yelling for help, and a man came and got me and another lady, and we ran out of the store."
Washington governor, Jay Inslee released a statement urging people to be extra cautious in the wake of the murders:
"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."
