A quiet Thursday afternoon at ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital shattered into chaos when gunfire erupted inside the building, leaving one person dead and another injured. The June 16 shooting triggered an immediate lockdown and a massive police response that stretched into the evening.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos confirmed that officers arrived at the hospital around 3:30 p.m. local time after receiving reports of an active shooter. “Police located two gunshot victims. One of those victims has tragically died from his injuries,” Campos said during a press conference. He added that the second victim’s condition and the identities of both individuals are being withheld out of respect for their families.
As night fell, the suspect remained on the run. Investigators worked frantically to identify and track down the shooter, with Campos emphasizing that the probe is 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,” he 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 scene was dramatic: dozens of officers, some in tactical gear and carrying long rifles, swarmed the hospital’s main and emergency room entrances. The lockdown was eventually lifted as police began clearing the area. Multiple agencies responded, 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.
ChristianaCare released a statement saying it is “working closely with law enforcement and taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers and visitors.” The hospital added, “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of everyone on our campus and the continuity of care for our patients.”
Authorities have not disclosed what sparked the violence. However, witnesses revealed a chilling detail: about 20 people were participating in an active shooter training course on the hospital’s bottom floor just moments before the real shooting occurred. During the class, the instructor received a call, grew serious, and ordered everyone to evacuate. Participants filed out through stairwells onto a nearby street.
Police say they will continue their investigation to apprehend the suspect and uncover the circumstances behind the attack.
