A 23-year-old man was taken into custody Tuesday night in Philadelphia in connection with a shooting at Wilmington Hospital in Delaware that left one person dead and another injured, according to police.
Authorities said the suspect is awaiting extradition back to Delaware as the investigation continues.
Incident
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos said officers responded around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to reports of a shooting at Wilmington Hospital, located on the 500 block of West 14th Street.
When officers arrived, they found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced dead. The condition of the second victim was not immediately released.
Police described the shooting as targeted and isolated. Charges against the suspect are pending.
Suspect in Custody
The suspect was arrested later Tuesday night in Philadelphia. Before the arrest, Campos declined to confirm whether the suspect was a current or former employee of the hospital.
Police said the man will be extradited to Delaware to face charges once the legal process is completed.
Lockdown and Response
Wilmington Hospital was placed on lockdown for several hours as law enforcement searched the facility. The lockdown has since been lifted, and the hospital campus has reopened.
ChristianaCare, which operates Wilmington Hospital, said the emergency department diverted patients to other facilities while police secured the scene.
Wilmington Police are leading the investigation with assistance from New Castle County Police, Delaware State Police, and the FBI’s Baltimore field office.
Hospital Statement
ChristianaCare issued a statement expressing support for those affected by the shooting.
“Our hearts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and everyone affected by today’s violence,” said Jennifer Schwartz, Esq., the incoming president and CEO of ChristianaCare. “This is a tragic and deeply painful moment for our community.”
Witness Accounts
Brian Pfeffer, a patient guide at Wilmington Hospital, said he was in the emergency department when the shooting occurred. He reported hearing two loud sounds that he initially thought were firecrackers.
“Overwhelming emotion, just like, honestly, get out,” Pfeffer said. “That’s what they train us to do. It’s scary, very scary.”
Pfeffer said the sounds appeared to come from the ground floor of the hospital.
Family Impact
Lydia Jones said her daughter, who works at Wilmington Hospital, was locked inside a room as SWAT teams moved through the building. Jones later reunited with her daughter after officers cleared the facility.
“It’s very scary,” Jones said. “It’s the world that we live in.”
Officials React
Wilmington Mayor John Carney called the shooting senseless and thanked law enforcement for their response.
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said the incident hit close to home, noting that his wife works within the ChristianaCare health system. He described the shooting as a reminder of the widespread impact of gun violence.
Several members of Delaware’s congressional delegation, including Rep. Sarah McBride and Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, said they were monitoring the situation and offered prayers for the victims, hospital staff, and first responders.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive. Police said the investigation remains active, and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
FAQs
Where did the shooting occur?
At Wilmington Hospital on West 14th Street in Delaware.
How many people were shot?
Two people were shot, and one died.
Has a suspect been arrested?
Yes, a 23-year-old man was arrested in Philadelphia.
Was the hospital locked down?
Yes, the hospital was on lockdown for several hours.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, police say the case remains under investigation.
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