Security guard is shot and killed, and one other was wounded when gunman opens fire inside Portland hospital; massive search underway for suspect
A security guard has been shot dead by a gunman who opened fire at a hospital in Portland, Oregon.
A second guard was also injured at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland, just before noon as the gunman opened fire inside the facility.
The incident saw the hospital immediately placed on lockdown for several hours.
Several roads in the area were closed as a result leading to significant disruption in the area which is home to various shops and restaurants.
Police are pictured on scene following a shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland
The shooting occurred shortly before 12pm on Saturday with the police activating their emergency tactical units.
Police were left searching the area for the suspect who is believed to have made a getaway shortly after the incident, reports KPTV.
The incident led to the evacuation of the Stadium Fred Meyer as police searched for the shooting suspect while the hospital went into lockdown, with patients and staff all sheltering while the authorities looked for the gunman.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who is also police commissioner, said he was receiving updates on the situation and urged residents in the vicinity to remain vigilant until further updates were provided.
‘This is still an active investigation and we urge those in the area to stay alert until further notice,’ he said.
Police closed off a four-block radius around the hospital, diverting people from the area with police tape in place.
The area between Northwest 21st and 23rd avenues from Lovejoy to Northrup streets was cordoned off, blocking all traffic.
A second guard was also injured at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Northwest Portland.
ONe man, Mo Badreddine, was heading to the hospital when he got a call from his father who was receiving treatment there.
‘I told him I was on my way back, and he said I wouldn’t be able to get in,’ Badreddine said to OregonLive. ‘He said there was an active shooter.’
Badreddine said had concerns the shooter hadn’t been caught and that his father might be in danger.
‘I’d just like to make sure my dad can go home,’ he added.
