Suspect arrested after shooting leaves man dead in US hospital

A 23-year-old man was arrested in Philadelphia after a shooting at a hospital in Wilmington, in the US state of Delaware, left one person dead and another injured, the city's Police Department said on Tuesday (16).

A preliminary investigation determined the attack was an "isolated, targeted occurrence," although the investigation is still ongoing, authorities said.

One of the victims died from his injuries, said police chief Wilfredo Campos, and police did not release further information about the condition of the other. None of the people were identified.

The hospital was placed on lockdown during the attack, but the isolation has since been lifted. Police previously said they were reviewing surveillance footage to determine how the suspect left the hospital after the shooting.

"It is particularly distressing when an incident like this occurs at a hospital whose fundamental purpose is to treat injuries and save lives," Wilmington Mayor John Carney said at a news conference Tuesday night.

"If there is a place that should be a refuge from so much violence, it is Wilmington," he added.

Police were called around 3:30 p.m. local time to Wilmington Hospital, located about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia, according to the Wilmington Police Department.

Multiple agencies, including the FBI and Delaware State Police, rushed to the scene to assist.

"Anytime there's a shooting, it's difficult," Wilmington Police Department spokesman David Karas told reporters.

"It's certainly not what a community wants, and we're going to make sure we get to the bottom of it and hold the individual accountable," he concluded.

Brian Pfeffer, a patient guide at the hospital, was working in the emergency room when he heard two loud gunshots, "almost like fireworks," coming from downstairs, he reported to CNN affiliate KYW.

Pfeffer fled the emergency room and ran outside before the hospital was sealed off.

It was alarming to witness an attack at his workplace, Pfeffer said. He noted that it was even more concerning that it occurred inside a hospital, where people normally feel safe.

"A lot of people come here just to feel safe," Pfeffer said.

"Now with these things happening, it's scary, very scary," he said.

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer said the attack affected his family in a particularly personal way, as his wife works at ChristianaCare, the hospital system that includes the Wilmington hospital.

Source: CNN