UNITED STATES: Two people were tragically killed and several others injured in a mass shooting incident that took place on Saturday night during an electronic dance music festival at the campgrounds near Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre, according to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported that three people, including the gunman, sustained injuries and the shooter was subsequently apprehended. The Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the gunshots at approximately 8:25 p.m. near the town of George, in close proximity to the campgrounds.
The alleged shooter fled the scene before being captured by law enforcement, stated Kyle Foreman, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.
As he made his escape, the perpetrator fired indiscriminately into the crowd. The incident led to an officer-involved shooting during the subsequent law enforcement response, which will be investigated by the North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit, as announced by the sheriff’s office.
At the time of the shooting, the campgrounds were located just a few hundred yards away from Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre, where the two-day Beyond Wonderland music festival was taking place, according to Foreman.
Authorities have not released any information regarding the identity of the perpetrator, the victims, the weapon used, or the motive behind the crime.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the Beyond Wonderland festival proceeded as scheduled on Saturday night, although a statement was issued advising attendees to avoid certain campgrounds.
In a late Saturday tweet, the festival informed attendees, “Please avoid the Gorge Gate H campground area as it is closed due to an incident that has been handled by local authorities. There is no current danger to festival goers or the campgrounds.”
However, on Monday, the festival announced the cancellation of the performances for the day in light of the previous night’s incident.
“Due to the incident that took place in the overflow camping area last night, we regret to inform you that Day 2 of Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge has been cancelled,” stated Beyond Wonderland.
The festival expressed gratitude to the local authorities and staff for their swift response in managing the situation. They extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic event. The scheduled performances by Dillon Francis, Flosstradamus, Marshmello, and Afrojack were affected by the cancellation.
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