3 people dead, 2 injured after gunman opened fire at Washington shopping mall (photos)

At least three people have been killed and two persons gravely wounded Friday when a gunman opened fire at a shopping mall in Washington.

The shooter — described as a Hispanic male wearing black — had walked into the Macy's department store and opened fire around 7.30pm local time. He left the scene before police arrived.

Police authorities are currently searching for him and have released a still from video surveillance of the young-looking suspect holding what appears to be a rifle. They believe there is only one shooter
and said the motive was unknown.

"We believe just one shooter...Armed with rifle," Sgt Francis captioned a photo of the alleged gunman.

We are still actively looking for the shooter. Stay indoors, stay secure,' Francis said at a news conference.  

Three women were killed in the shooting, and two were wounded, including a man suffering life-threatening injuries and a woman with non-life threatening injuries, police said.