At least four people were killed Tuesday morning in a mass stabbing in Gig Harbor, a waterfront community along Puget Sound about 15 miles northwest of Tacoma. The violence unfolded in what residents describe as a typically quiet neighborhood.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched shortly before 9 a.m. to the 14000 block of 87th Avenue Court NW after a report of a protection order violation. While officers were en route, additional emergency calls reported a man actively stabbing people outside a residence.

Authorities said three adults were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth victim was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later died from their injuries. Witnesses described chaotic moments, including an attack occurring in the street in front of neighbors.

Officials later confirmed that the protection order referenced in the initial call had not yet been formally served to the suspect. Deputies arrived to find an active and dangerous situation still unfolding.

A single sheriff’s deputy shot and killed the 32-year-old suspect at approximately 9:33 a.m., ending the violence. No deputies were reported injured during the incident.

The investigation has been transferred to the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, which is responsible for reviewing officer-involved shootings and processing evidence from the scene.

The tragedy has deeply shaken Gig Harbor, a community of roughly 12,000 residents known for its scenic marina, small-town atmosphere, and close-knit neighborhoods where serious violent crime is relatively rare.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims. Investigators continue to examine the timeline, the circumstances surrounding the protection order, and the events leading up to the attack as the case remains ongoing.