News

1 Dead, 2 Wounded In PA Hospital Shooting

by Lauren Barbato

On Thursday, a gunman reportedly opened fire at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pennsylvania, killing one. According to The Associated Press, two people were also wounded in the shooting, including the unidentified gunman, who's now in police custody. The shooting occurred in the Pennsylvania hospital's psychiatric wing in the wellness center, which is attached to the hospital by a pedestrian bridge.

Details about how the assault began remain unconfirmed. CBS Philly reported that the shooting broke out in a patient's room at around 2 p.m.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan said in a press conference that the suspect has a history of mental illness, but authorities are still looking into the motive. He added that the crime scene "is secure. Everyone is safe."

Neither the gunman nor the victims were identified Thursday afternoon, but Whelan said the deceased victim was a female employee of the hospital. He also confirmed that a doctor endured a graze wound, and that the suspect is in critical condition.

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital is part of the Mercy Health System, the largest Catholic health care group in the Delaware Valley/eastern Pennsylvania region. The health care system has four acute-care hospitals and employs more than 6,000 people, according to its website.