At least one person was killed and another was wounded in a shooting at a Delaware hospital Tuesday, prompting a large police response and a search for an outstanding suspect who has since been taken into custody, authorities said.
The shooting occurred inside Wilmington Hospital in Wilmington at approximately 3:30 p.m., according to Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos.
Police located two gunshot victims after responding to the hospital. One of the victims later died from his injuries, Campos said during an evening briefing.
“One of those victims has tragically died from his injuries,” Campos 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.”
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Police said late Tuesday that the suspect had been taken into custody in Philadelphia following a manhunt, as charges and extradition to Delaware are pending. The suspect was described as a 23-year-old man.
Preliminary investigation has determined that the shooting was a targeted, isolated incident, police said.
ChristianaCare, which operates Wilmington Hospital, confirmed the shooting and said the campus was initially placed on lockdown following the incident, but police said the lockdown has since been lifted.
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“The campus is currently on lockdown, and the emergency department is on divert. 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,” the hospital earlier said in a statement.
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons said he was monitoring reports of the shooting and urged the public to follow updates from local officials.
“I’m closely monitoring reports of a shooting at Wilmington Hospital,” Coons wrote on X. “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.”
Aerial footage from the scene showed a heavy police presence surrounding the hospital campus as officers responded to the incident.
Multiple law enforcement vehicles could be seen outside the facility and people were seen exiting the building with their hands raised.
Authorities have not released information about what led to the shooting, where inside the hospital it occurred or a possible motive.
Campos said the investigation remains active and ongoing and that additional information would be released as it becomes available.
Officials cautioned that details released so far remain preliminary and could change as investigators gather more information.
