A security guard was killed in a shooting incident at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday morning, July 22.
The suspect who was responsible for the shooting also died following the incident, as confirmed by the Portland Police Department.
The authorities responded to reports of threats inside the hospital at around 11 am. Sergeant Kevin Allen reported that the suspect was armed with at least one firearm, and the shooting occurred on the fifth floor, near the birthing unit.
Following the incident, the hospital was put on lockdown, and a search for the suspect began. Initially, there were reports that the suspect had sought refuge at a nearby grocery store, leading to an evacuation and thorough search of the premises. However, it was later determined that the suspect was not at the store.
After an intensive search effort, law enforcement located the suspect in a vehicle. A tactical operation involved officers from Portland East Precinct, Gresham police, and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputies. The confrontation ended in a standoff, during which police opened fire, resulting in the suspect’s death. No officers were injured during the incident.
Despite medical efforts, the hospital security guard succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Jonathan Avery, the hospital’s chief operating officer, expressed concern about the situation, urging people to avoid the hospital until clearance was given.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Portland Police Department Chief Chuck Lovell commended the hospital staff and law enforcement response, highlighting their coordinated efforts in managing the crisis.