Teenager shot near Seattle's Garfield High School

17-year-old student shot in Seattle high school parking lot,

Authorities in Seattle say a 17-year-old male student was shot in the parking lot of a high school during lunchtime. A statement from Seattle Public Schools says the student was shot Thursday at Garfield High and taken to Harborview Medical Center.

SEATTLE - The Seattle Police Department is investigating a shooting that killed a teenager near Garfield High School in the Central District of Seattle.

What led up to the shooting?

SPD first alerted the community about the shooting shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Thursday near 23rd Ave. and E. Alder St.

Officers said a 17-year-old boy was shot and was undergoing surgery at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center.

He later died from his injuries.

Police said an altercation between two people was happening when the victim tried to step in. One of them approached the victim, pulled out a gun and fired at him.

"This is an extraordinary tragedy for our community," said SPD Assistant Chief Eric Barden. "It's our collective responsibility to take care of our young people, our youth and, unfortunately, gun violence emerged again today at our high school, and we have a victim right now at Harborview."

Surveillance camera near Garfield High School captured the moment a teenager was shot. (Surveillance image provided to FOX 13 Seattle)

Seattle Public Schools' response

Seattle Public Schools released the following statement while the school was on lockdown:

"Today at lunch, shots were fired in the Garfield High School parking lot. A student was injured. The student is being treated at Harborview Medical Center.

"Garfield High School is currently on lockdown. Nova and Washington Middle School were placed in a shelter in place. Seattle Police have secured Garfield High School and are working with the district’s Safety and Security team.

During a lockdown, classroom and exterior doors are locked. Students remain indoors and in their classroom until the lockdown has been lifted.
During a shelter in place, the outside doors of the school are locked while normal school operations continue.

"This is an ongoing situation. Families are being notified. Please contact SPD for current information."

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, SPD Interim Chief Sue Rahr speak after shooting near school

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Interim Police Chief Sue Rahr spoke at a news conference just hours after a 17-year-old student was shot near Garfield High School.

When will the Garfield lockdown be lifted?

The school was placed on lockdown for about two hours, police said. The lockdown was lifted at 3:15 p.m. and Seattle Public Schools provided information on a reunification site for parents and students.

The investigation is active, and law enforcement officials are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward to assist with the investigation. Call the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or in the P3 Tips app on your smartphone.

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The scene of a shooting at Garfield High School on June 6, 2024. (FOX 13 Seattle)