One individual has lost their life, and another is wounded following a shooting incident involving a hospital employee in Delaware.
Reportedly, an employee at Wilmington Hospital shot two colleagues at approximately 3:30 pm EDT (8:30 pm BST) on Tuesday, as per law enforcement sources cited by ABC News. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos stated, “Police found two gunshot victims. Unfortunately, one of them succumbed to their injuries. Details regarding the other victim’s condition and the identities are being withheld at this time out of respect for the families.”
Law enforcement previously disclosed that they are aware of the suspect’s identity, who is believed to have been a temporary worker. The Wilmington Police Department mentioned that the situation is still active at the hospital situated in the 500 block of West 14th Street.
An alert was sent to hospital staff via text message informing them about the shooting in the building’s basement, according to NBC10.
As per scanner audio obtained by the media outlet, a dispatcher reported that one person was shot in the neck, while the other sustained injuries in the upper body.
The Wilmington Hospital complex was put on lockdown, with the emergency department on diversion, as confirmed by a hospital representative.
The spokesperson stated, “We are collaborating closely with law enforcement and implementing all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and visitors. This is an active police investigation related to a potential active shooter situation.”
US Senator for Delaware, Chris Coons, expressed on Facebook, “I’m closely monitoring the situation at Wilmington Hospital. My thoughts are with everyone’s safety, including patients, healthcare workers, first responders, and law enforcement personnel. Please stay updated with local authorities.”
Jenn Schwartz, the hospital’s CEO, remarked, “An incident like this is particularly heartbreaking in a place dedicated to healing.”