Gunman Kills Security Guard and Injures Another in Portland Hospital Shooting
A security guard was fatally shot and another person was wounded when a gunman opened fire inside a hospital in Portland, Oregon on Saturday morning. The tragic incident occurred at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland, with the shooting reported at approximately 11 a.m. Pacific time.
The security guard, identified as Bobby Smallwood, was immediately rushed to a trauma center with gunshot wounds but sadly succumbed to his injuries later in the evening. The hospital confirmed the devastating news, expressing their condolences. However, a staff member who was also wounded in the shooting is said to be in stable condition according to the hospital.
No patients were harmed during the shooting, as per the information provided by the police. Law enforcement officers swiftly responded to the incident, locking down the hospital and conducting an extensive search for the suspect in the surrounding neighborhood. The nearby Fred Meyer grocery store was also evacuated and searched, although the suspect was not found inside.
The suspect was eventually spotted driving a vehicle in Gresham, a city located east of Portland. Officers from various law enforcement agencies initiated a traffic stop, during which they opened fire on the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police have not yet disclosed the suspect’s identity, nor confirmed whether he was armed or fired upon the officers.
Authorities have not revealed any details regarding the motive behind the hospital shooting or the circumstances leading up to it. Today, a shelter in place order was issued for the hospital, with all visitors, patients, and staff asked to remain away until further notice. However, this order has since been lifted.
Good Samaritan Medical Center, part of the Legacy Health system, expressed their deep sorrow over the incident. Legacy Health President and CEO, Kathryn Correia, stated, “Words cannot express the profound grief we are experiencing. We offer our unwavering support to Bobby’s loved ones, to our patients in our care, to the staff at Legacy Good Samaritan, and to all of our employees and providers suffering today.”
Investigations into the hospital shooting are ongoing, as law enforcement authorities work to determine the motive and gather further details surrounding the tragic event.