Drive-by shooting at South Seattle nightclub kills security guard, injures woman

Key points

• A 36-year-old man working as security for a nightclub was killed in a drive-by shooting in the 5800 block of 4th Avenue South in South Seattle just before 1:00 AM on Sunday.
• A 27-year-old woman was also shot in the leg during the incident and was transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.
• Seattle Police stated that a vehicle drove into the club's parking lot, the driver fired multiple gunshots, and the vehicle then fled the scene.
• The suspect vehicle was subsequently found on fire in South Seattle.
• Detectives are investigating the shooting and have asked the public to contact the Seattle Police Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000 with any information, video footage, or suspect details.

Background

This incident adds to a series of violent events in the Seattle area over recent months. In September 2026, there were multiple shootings in the region, including a Belltown incident that killed two people and injured three, and a Rainier Valley car crash involving two fatally shot individuals. Additionally, a nightclub shooting in Columbia in September left multiple people injured. These events highlight ongoing concerns regarding violent crime in the Seattle metropolitan area.

How outlets are covering it

KOMO News and the City of Seattle both reported on the shooting, confirming the death of the security guard and the injury of the woman. KOMO provided specific details about the suspect vehicle being found on fire and the tip line number, while the City of Seattle's report focused on the basic facts of the incident. Both sources agree on the core details of the event, but KOMO offered more investigative context and public outreach information.

Why it matters

This shooting underscores the ongoing challenges with violent crime in Seattle, particularly in the South Seattle area. The death of a security guard and the serious injury of another individual highlight the risks associated with such incidents and the need for continued police investigation and public cooperation. The burning of the suspect vehicle suggests a possible attempt to destroy evidence, which may complicate the investigation. This incident also adds to a pattern of violent crimes in the region, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current crime prevention measures.

What to watch

Seattle Police detectives are actively investigating the shooting and are seeking public assistance through the Violent Crimes Tip Line. The investigation will likely focus on identifying the suspect and understanding the motive behind the shooting. The condition of the injured woman will be monitored, and further updates may be provided as the investigation progresses. The burning of the suspect vehicle may lead to additional forensic analysis to determine its origin and any potential evidence it may have contained.