Two people were shot and killed Friday afternoon in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, according to the Seattle Police Department.

Shortly before 4:00 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire at the intersection of Rainier Avenue South and South Henderson Street, near Rainier Beach High School and South Shore K-8. When officers arrived, they found two adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. Police attempted lifesaving measures until Seattle Fire Department crews arrived, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the suspect fled before officers arrived and was not immediately located. Officers searched the surrounding area, including with K-9 units, while homicide detectives and crime scene investigators took over the scene. The investigation is being handled as a double homicide.

The Seattle Department of Transportation reported significant traffic impacts during the police response, with lanes blocked near the intersection while investigators worked. Authorities later said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public and indicated the shooting appears to have been targeted, though a motive has not been released.

The incident occurred just blocks from nearby schools, raising concern in the community. Police have not released the identities of the victims. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death as the investigation continues.