A tragic Washington shooting outside Garfield High School in Seattle claimed the life of a 17-year-old boy on Thursday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the local community.

The victim succumbed to his injuries at Harborview Medical Center, sparking a swift police response as authorities searched for the suspect.

Seattle Police Department (SPD) reported that shots were fired in the school's parking lot during lunchtime, resulting in the injury of a Garfield High student, Seattle Times reports.

Despite efforts to save him, the victim died at approximately 6:15 PM Police suspect the shooter to be a high school-aged male, who fled the scene following the incident.

Mayor Bruce Harrell, a Garfield High School alum, expressed profound sorrow over the shooting, emphasizing the emotional toll on the community.

He announced increased police patrols in the area to enhance safety and reassurance for students and families.

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Details of the Incident

According to SPD Deputy Chief Eric Barden, the shooting occurred when a confrontation between high school-aged individuals escalated.

The victim intervened to stop the altercation, prompting the Washington shooting suspect to open fire.

The tragic outcome underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence affecting youth in Seattle, according to King5.

Mayor Harrell addressed the media, highlighting the pervasive issue of firearms on city streets and calling for sustained efforts to curb violence.

Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr echoed these sentiments, emphasizing community engagement over punitive measures in response to the tragedy.

Following the Washington high school shooting, a lockdown for approximately two hours disrupted normal school activities.

Nearby Nova High and Washington Middle School also took precautions, maintaining a shelter-in-place status until the situation was deemed safe.

Parents anxiously awaited their children's release, reflecting on the heightened anxiety and frequency of such incidents near the school.

Jeff Scott, relieved upon reuniting with his daughter, expressed concern over the recurring violence and its impact on the community.

Escalating Concerns and Past Incidents

The fatal shooting is the latest in a series of violent incidents near Garfield High School in recent months.

Previous incidents include a shooting involving vehicles near the campus, which resulted in property damage but no injuries.

A drive-by shooting in March injured a teenage girl at a nearby bus stop, further fueling community concerns, Fox13 noted.

Residents and advocates joined city officials in condemning the escalating violence, with Bishop Reggie Witherspoon lamenting the loss and urging collective action to protect Seattle's youth.

Mayor Harrell designated June 7 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day, inviting the community to honor victims and support efforts for change.

The Washington high school shooting has reignited discussions about safety and gun violence in Seattle, prompting calls for stronger community support and preventive measures.

READ MORE: Ohio Woman Arrested for Fatally Stabbing 3-Year-Old Boy in Grocery Cart 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Student fatally shot while trying to break up fight outside Garfield High School - From KOMO News