2 Killed in Shooting Outside Longview, WA Community Event

Suspect arrested after fleeing and circling back to the scene of the crime

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:35pm

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An extreme close-up of a single spent shell casing on the pavement, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a shooting.The aftermath of a deadly shooting outside a community event space in Longview, Washington exposes the grim reality of gun violence.Longview Today

Two people were shot and killed in the parking lot outside a community event in Longview, Washington on Saturday night. A 49-year-old suspect from Kelso was arrested after fleeing the scene, throwing a gun out of his vehicle during a police chase, and then circling back to the AWPPW Hall where the shooting took place.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence at public events, even in smaller cities like Longview. It raises questions about event security, gun laws, and the mental health factors that may have contributed to the suspect's actions.

The details

Around 10:45 p.m. on April 11, the suspect is accused of shooting and killing two people in the parking lot outside an event with 200 people inside the AWPPW Hall, a popular community event space in Longview. Officers in the area spotted the suspect leaving the scene and were able to recover the weapon he threw from his vehicle during the police chase. The suspect eventually circled back to the scene of the crime, where he was arrested and booked into jail for two counts of first-degree murder.

  • Around 10:45 p.m. on April 11, the shooting occurred in the parking lot outside the AWPPW Hall.
  • The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested after circling back to the AWPPW Hall.

The players

Longview Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the shooting, pursued the suspect, and made the arrest.

AWPPW Hall

A popular community event space in Longview, Washington where the shooting took place outside an event with 200 attendees.

49-year-old Kelso resident

The suspect who was arrested and booked into jail for two counts of first-degree murder.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and our hearts go out to the victims' families. Public safety is our top priority, and we will work tirelessly to understand what led to this senseless act of violence.”

— Branden McNew, Longview Police Department Captain

What’s next

The suspect will appear in court in the coming days, where a judge will determine if he should be held without bail pending trial.

The takeaway

This shooting serves as a tragic reminder of the need for robust event security measures and continued efforts to address the underlying causes of gun violence in communities, even in smaller cities. As the investigation unfolds, local leaders will likely face tough questions about public safety and what more can be done to prevent such senseless acts of violence.