WILMINGTON, June 17 — A suspect remains at large after a shooting at Wilmington Hospital in Delaware left one person dead and another injured on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said officers were called to the hospital on West 14th Street at about 3.30pm following reports of gunfire, CBS News reported.
Police found two people with gunshot wounds.
One died at the scene, while the condition of the second victim has not been disclosed.
Campos said investigators are working to identify the shooter and have not confirmed whether the suspect is a current or former hospital employee.
He added that the building had been fully cleared during the search.
The hospital’s emergency department diverted incoming patients during the incident, according to a ChristianaCare spokesperson.
Wilmington Hospital was placed under lockdown for several hours before restrictions were lifted later in the day.
Police said the investigation is being led by Wilmington Police with assistance from New Castle County Police, Delaware State Police and the FBI in Baltimore.
Wilmington Mayor John Carney described the incident as “senseless”, saying hospital staff endured a frightening ordeal as law enforcement swept through the building.
A hospital employee said he heard what sounded like “firecrackers” before running for safety, adding that staff were trained to evacuate in such situations.
“It’s scary, very scary,” he said, describing panic inside the emergency department.
Another witness said her daughter, who works at the hospital, was locked inside a room during the lockdown as SWAT teams cleared the building before they were later reunited.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer said the incident was a stark reminder of the impact of gun violence, noting his personal connection through his wife’s work in the health system.
US lawmakers including Representative Sarah McBride and Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester said they were monitoring the situation and praying for those affected as investigations continue.
