A shooting at a Delaware hospital on June 16 left one person dead and another injured, prompting a massive police response and a temporary lockdown, authorities said.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said in a news conference that officers were called to ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital around 3:30 p.m. local time after receiving reports of a shooting inside the building. Police initially asked the public to avoid the area while they responded to the scene.
“Police located two gunshot victims, one of whom tragically succumbed to his injuries,” Campos said at a news conference. He added that information about the second victim’s condition and the identities of both victims is being withheld “out of family sensitivity.”
As of the evening of June 16, the suspect was at large and investigators were working to confirm his identity and whereabouts, Campos said. The police chief said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, the Christiana Care community, and the affected residents,” Campos said. “Regardless of the motive in this incident, there is never an excuse for violence, and there is never an excuse for gun violence.”
The shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response.
The hospital was initially placed on lockdown as police responded, but the order was later lifted as police began clearing the scene. Earlier, the Delaware News Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that dozens of police officers, some with long rifles and tactical gear, converged on the entrance to the hospital’s main office and emergency room.
Campos said multiple local, state and federal agencies responded to assist, including Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police, Wilmington Fire Department, county paramedics, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
In a statement to the Delaware News Journal, hospital network ChristianaCare said it is “working closely with law enforcement and taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers, and visitors.”
“Our priorities remain the safety and health of everyone on campus and the continuity of care for our patients,” ChristianaCare said in a statement.
Authorities did not immediately say what led to the shooting. Police said investigators will continue to work to arrest the suspect and uncover the circumstances of the attack.
Active shooter class took place immediately before shooting
Class officials said about 20 people were taking part in a marksmanship lesson held on the bottom floor of the hospital just before the shooting occurred.
Officials outside the hospital said the instructor received a phone call during class, became serious, and told everyone to leave the building. Class participants then exited the building along the steps of a nearby street.
