Delaware hospital – A shooting inside ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital on June 16 left one person dead and another wounded, triggering a major police response and a temporary lockdown as investigators continued to search for the suspect.
A shooting inside a Delaware hospital turned ordinary hours into panic on June 16, when police rushed to ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital shortly after 3:30 p.m.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said officers were called after a report of a shooting inside the building. As they responded, police initially urged the public to avoid the area.
“Police located two gunshot victims. One of those victims has tragically died from his injuries,” Campos said during a news conference. He said information about the second victim’s condition and the identities of both victims was being withheld “out of respect for the families.”
As of the evening of June 16, the suspect remained at large, and investigators were working to confirm the person’s identity and location, Campos said. He added that the investigation was still active and ongoing.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. as well as the ChristianaCare community. and our residents who have been impacted. ” Campos said. “Regardless of what the motive in this incident might have been. there is never an excuse for violence. and there is never an excuse for gun violence.”.
The hospital was initially placed on lockdown as officers responded. but that order was later lifted once police began clearing the scene. Earlier coverage had described a large convergence of officers at both the main and emergency room entrances. with some officers equipped with long rifles and tactical gear.
Campos said multiple agencies responded to assist, including Delaware State Police, New Castle County police, the 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. ChristianaCare said it was “working closely with law enforcement and taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our patients. caregivers and visitors.” The hospital network added that “our priority remains the safety and well-being of everyone on our campus and the continuity of care for our patients.”.
Authorities did not immediately say what led to the shooting, and police said they would continue working to apprehend the suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Moments before the gunfire. an active shooter class was underway on the bottom floor of the hospital. according to people in the class. About 20 people participated. During the course. participants said the instructor received a call. grew serious. and told everyone they needed to leave the building. They then walked out along stairs on a nearby street.
The sequence of events—an active shooter training course taking place moments before the shooting. followed by a rapid police response that included a temporary lockdown—left staff. patients. and visitors navigating shock and uncertainty at the same time investigators worked to locate the suspect and piece together what happened.
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