Two people were shot June 16 inside ChristianaCare’s Wilmington (Del.) Hospital, and one victim has died, Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said at an evening press conference streamed on the city’s Facebook page.
Police were called to the hospital at approximately 3:30 p.m. Mr. Campos said two gunshot victims were located inside the hospital. Both victims have been identified as 19-year-old males, police said. One victim died from injuries. The surviving victim remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to police.
The suspect has been identified as John Wallace-Bey, 23, of New Castle, Del. Mr. Wallace-Bey was taken into custody in Philadelphia and is pending extradition to Delaware. He faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. Police said their preliminary investigation indicates the shooting was a targeted, isolated incident.
The hospital was initially placed on lockdown, which has since been lifted. Mr. Campos said police cleared the building with assistance from law enforcement partners.
Mayor John Carney praised the law enforcement response, specifically thanking the Delaware State Police and tactical teams. “This has been a terrible day for our city, and especially for the hospital workers who are subject to this terror,” he said.
Jennifer Schwartz, ChristianaCare’s incoming president and CEO, said in a June 16 statement that the Wilmington campus is “open, safe and secure with no ongoing threat to patients, caregivers or visitors.” She also said the health system has activated well-being and behavioral health resources to support caregivers in the wake of the shooting.
“Our hearts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and everyone affected by today’s violence,” Ms. Schwartz said. “This is a tragic and deeply painful moment for our community.”
Wilmington Hospital is a 321-bed facility.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on June 17.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.