A manhunt is under way after a hospital employee shot two co-workers at Wilmington Hospital in Delaware on Tuesday afternoon, killing one and leaving the other injured.
The shooting unfolded at about 3.30pm EDT (8.30pm BST) in the basement of the hospital, located in the 500 block of West 14th Street. Scanner audio obtained by NBC10 indicated that one victim was shot in the neck and the other in the upper body.
“An employee shot two co-workers at Wilmington Hospital in Delaware, killing one, and remains at large.”
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfedo Campos confirmed the deaths. “Police located two gun-shot victims. One of those victims has tragically died from his injuries,” he said. “Further information on the other victim's condition and the identity of both victims is being withheld at this time out of respect for the families.”
Police said the suspect’s identity is known to them and that he is believed to have been a temporary employee at the hospital. The gunman remains at large, and a manhunt is ongoing.
The hospital campus was placed on lockdown, and the emergency department was diverted. A hospital spokesperson said: “We are working closely with law enforcement and taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers and visitors. This is an active police investigation for a possible active shooter.”
A text message sent to staff told them that two people had been shot in the building’s basement, according to NBC10.
Chris Coons, the US senator for Delaware, wrote on Facebook: “I'm closely monitoring reports of a shooting at Wilmington Hospital. I'm praying for everyone's safety, including patients, health care workers, first responders, and law enforcement officers. Please continue to follow updates from local officials.”
The hospital’s CEO, Jenn Schwartz, said: “A tragedy like this is especially painful in a place devoted to care.”