KENT, Wash. — Police are investigating after a man was shot and killed inside a Kent movie theater overnight.
Abubakar Ahmed, 19, was shot inside the AMC Kent Station 14 at 12:19 a.m., according to the Kent Police Department (KPD).
Within a minute of receiving multiple 911 calls, Kent officers arrived at the theater to find the Tukwila man with a gunshot wound to his chest area. Emergency crews started life-saving efforts for Ahmed, but he died.
Officers searched inside the AMC theater to find the suspect, but have not located or identified the shooter. The suspect was described as a male about 5-feet-11 with a ski mask, according to the KPD.
Homicide detectives believe this was a targeted shooting and there is no danger to the public. Three vehicles that may have been involved in the case were impounded, police said.
"I went to the movies last minute,” said Mikayla Jacobson-Brewer of Kent.
She found herself in the middle of the emergency as police rushed in just after midnight.
"I see like six to eight police officers walk in,” said Jacobson-Brewer. "They were trying to get us out through the emergency exit. One of the police officers said there was a shooting."
“This was a very specific and targeted event. So not something that the general public would have been exposed to and we don't have any evidence to suggest that there's a threat to the public going forward,” said Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla who added that Kent police detectives were following solid leads.
In a statement, a spokesperson for AMC Theatre said, “Our deepest sympathies are with the family of the victim. The safety and security of our guests and associates is AMC's top priority, and comprehensive security measures are in place at all AMC locations.”
"It makes me sad. That is somebody's sibling. That's somebody's child,” said Jacobson-Brewer. "I am just thinking, wow this could really happen just anywhere."
The KPD asked the public to call the tip line at 253-856-5808 or email KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov if they have any information on the case. You can call 911 and reference case #23-7685 if your tip is time-sensitive.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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