Shooting Incident at Washington State Electronic Dance Music Festival Leaves 2 Dead and 3 Injured

42

Two individuals lost their lives and three others sustained injuries after an unidentified shooter indiscriminately opened fire amidst a crowd attending an electronic dance music festival in Washington state. The incident took place on Saturday night at a campground located a short distance from the Gorge Amphitheater, where thousands had gathered for the event. Grant County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Kyle Foreman, provided details regarding the incident.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m., law enforcement authorities received the initial reports of the shooting originating from the camping area adjacent to the Gorge Amphitheater. This popular venue is situated near the small city of George, approximately 150 miles (239 kilometers) east of Seattle. The assailant, described as the suspect, began shooting sporadically into the crowd and proceeded to move through the campground, continuing to fire until apprehended by the police.

During the confrontation with law enforcement, the suspect was shot and subsequently hospitalized for treatment. Further information concerning the suspect’s condition was not immediately disclosed. Although a public alert advised people in the area to take necessary precautions, such as running, hiding, or fighting, the festival organizers did not initiate an evacuation. The event continued as planned until the early hours of Sunday morning, under the vigilance of law enforcement personnel who kept the suspect contained on the periphery of the property.

Yazmin Alvarez, aged 30, recounted her experience at the campsite near the amphitheater. Upon being alerted by a woman about the active shooter, Alvarez and her companions promptly made their way towards the exit, seeking refuge near buildings along a nearby road, alongside a group of approximately twelve others. As the festival proceeded nearby, the sight of helicopter lights added to their unease. Alvarez expressed discomfort, given the presence of people enjoying the event in close proximity. Eventually, they returned to the campground solely to retrieve their identification and sweaters, leaving their camping gear behind.

Further details about the victims will be disclosed at a later time, according to Foreman. Organizers of the Beyond Wonderland electronic music festival announced the cancellation of Sunday’s events at the Gorge through social media channels. Foreman clarified that the shooting occurred in an overflow camping area, where most individuals staying there were likely attending the concert during the incident. The North Central Washington Special Investigation Unit, an independent oversight group, has initiated an investigation into the shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EDM festival shooting

More about EDM festival shooting

• Washington state electronic dance music festival shooting
• Gorge Amphitheater
• Beyond Wonderland electronic music festival
• North Central Washington Special Investigation Unit