Tukwila shooting leaves toddler in critical condition, police say

TUKWILA, Wash. - Tukwila police are investigating a shooting Friday morning that left a toddler critically injured. 

At about 9:30 a.m., officers responded to several 911 calls from the Allentown neighborhood at Fire Station 53. 

"Kids are the future and for this to happen to a little child, it hits close to home because I have a 2-year-old myself," said Aaliyah Abdullah, who lives near investigation scene.

Around the corner from the shooting scene was the Tukwila Fire Station 53. Just as firefighters were about to respond to the 911 call at the house, a car arrived at the fire station. The critically injured child was in the car in the arms of a screaming woman.

"Hysterical, which we would be understanding. If I was holding a child that was injured like that, I would be the same way," said Division Chief Pat Pawlak of Puget Sound Fire & Rescue.

Medics started life-saving efforts on the toddler, who was later taken to the hospital. The emotional family member stayed with the toddler and went with them to the hospital. 

"It was fortunate for them that the crews here were actually in quarters and they weren’t out on another call," said Pawlak. "So, really, we would encourage people to call and stay where you’re at because you never know where the firefighters are responding from."

It appears the child was shot at the home and then was taken to the fire station. 

The investigation remains ongoing. 

The incident is not believed to be random.

"It’s a toddler who was just starting their life. Then you have the ripple effect into the family, not only immediate family but extended family, close friends," said Pawlak.

If you have any information on the incident, email tips@tukwila.gov or call the non-emergency line at 206-241-2121. Reference case number 23-2247.

This is a developing story, and will be updated.