A 23-year-old New Castle man is accused of targeting two hospital employees.
WILMINGTON, Del. — Doctors, nurses, patients and visitors returned to Wilmington Hospital under tighter security Wednesday after police said a former intern opened fire inside the building, killing one employee and injuring another.
The accused gunman, John Wallace-Bey, 23, of New Castle, was arrested in Philadelphia hours after the Tuesday afternoon shooting. Police said both victims were 19-year-old men who worked at the hospital. One died from his injuries, and the other remained in critical but stable condition.
The shooting began around 3:30 p.m. inside Wilmington Hospital on West 14th Street. Police said Wallace-Bey shot the two men before leaving the hospital. The attack prompted a lockdown while officers searched the building and cleared rooms. Video from the scene showed people leaving with their hands raised as heavily armed officers moved across the campus. The lockdown was lifted Tuesday night after authorities said the suspect had been taken into custody in Philadelphia.
ChristianaCare, which operates Wilmington Hospital, said it diverted emergency patients during the response and worked to protect patients, caregivers and visitors. Hospital leaders also activated support services for workers affected by the violence. Staff members who returned Wednesday described a somber mood. Some departments used virtual visits instead of in-person appointments as workers processed what happened.
Police identified Wallace-Bey on Wednesday and said he would be charged after extradition to Delaware. The charges include murder, attempted murder and multiple firearms offenses. Local reports said Wallace-Bey had been an intern and was let go earlier Tuesday, before the shooting. Police have not confirmed a motive, and officials have not released the names of the two victims.
Visitors said the search left lasting fear inside the hospital. Olan Stevenson said his mother, a 73-year-old patient, was scared when SWAT officers entered her room with weapons drawn. Another patient described feeling trapped after learning that a shooter may still have been inside the building. Mayor John Carney said the violence struck a place meant for healing and thanked law enforcement and hospital staff for acting during the emergency.
The shooting has renewed concern about violence in health care settings, where workers often face threats while caring for patients. Wilmington Hospital serves Delaware’s largest city, about 25 miles south of Philadelphia. The incident also drew attention to hospital access points and employee security, though officials have not announced long-term changes.
Wallace-Bey remained in custody after bail was denied. His next listed court date is June 29 if he does not waive extradition. Investigators are continuing to review the hospital shooting, the suspect’s movements and the events that led to the gunfire.
Author note: Last updated June 18, 2026.