Following a morning shooting at Long Beach Memorial Hospital that claimed two lives – including the alleged shooter – and critically injured a third, Long Beach Police Chief Anthony Batts said that the incident may be linked to national troubles.
“I think this is a trend we’re seeing nationwide,” Batts said. “Probably because of tension going on in our society today.”
Police responded to a “Shots fired” call at 11:47am this morning and found one hospital employee wounded inside. A second police team arrived on the scene and discovered another shooting victim on the North side of the hospital. Police then discovered the alleged gunman outside hospital grounds, dead after a self-inflicted gunshot. Police have not yet confirmed a motive for the shooting.
All three victims were male, and all three were employees of the hospital. Police would not say whether they were all current employees or former employees.
Memorial Hospital CEO Diana Hendel said that all hospital patients are safe and that hospital employees are receiving necessary care to cope with the tragedy.
“Today is a tragic day for the City of Long Beach,” said Mayor Bob Foster. “I want to extend our thoughts, prayers and sympathies to the families of the victims.”
The Press-Telegram is now reporting that the suspect was a pharmacy technician named Mario and that one of the victims was his supervisor, although police would neither confirm nor deny these questions.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor