Seattle police detectives are investigating a homicide following a shooting early Tuesday morning at a hookah lounge in the Chinatown–International District.
Shortly before 8:00 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of Rainier Avenue South. Upon arrival, police found a man in his 30s suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers and Seattle Fire Department medics provided emergency care before the victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.
Despite extensive life-saving efforts, the man died in the operating room.
Investigators determined that an altercation inside the hookah lounge preceded the shooting. The suspect reportedly fired multiple rounds, striking the victim. Several others were inside the business at the time, but no additional injuries were reported.
The suspect—described only as an adult male—fled before police arrived and has not been located. Officers secured the area while the Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit processed the scene.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the victim’s identity and official cause of death at a later time.
Police urge anyone with information to contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
Incident Number: 2025-351783
Detectives investigating homicide at hookah lounge:https://t.co/0W8HltgFt9 https://t.co/mZAO53AGHY pic.twitter.com/eedejUCOOU
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) December 1, 2025