Fired Hospital Intern Returns Hours Later to Shoot Two Coworkers

A former hospital intern is accused of returning to a Delaware medical center just hours after being fired and opening fire on two teenage coworkers, killing one and critically injuring another.

John Wallace-Bey, 23, of New Castle, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, after police say he shot two 19-year-old hospital employees at Wilmington Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Wilmington Police Department, officers responded to the hospital around 3:30 p.m. after reports of gunfire on campus. The shooting sent the hospital into lockdown as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

One of the victims, a 19-year-old man, died from his injuries. The second victim, also 19, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, police said. Authorities said the name of the victim who died will be released later.

Wallace-Bey had reportedly worked at Wilmington Hospital as an IT intern and was fired earlier that same day, according to NBC10, citing a source and a hospital employee.

After allegedly opening fire, Wallace-Bey fled the hospital, police said. He was later tracked across state lines to Philadelphia, where officers arrested him in the city’s Olney neighborhood.

NBC10 reported that Wallace-Bey left the scene in a white Toyota RAV4 and was eventually taken into custody while riding in an Uber.

Police have not released a motive, but investigators said the shooting appears to have been targeted and isolated.

The hospital lockdown was lifted by about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Video from the scene showed staff being escorted out of the medical center with their hands raised as law enforcement searched the campus.

Neighbors said they were stunned by the allegations against Wallace-Bey, who reportedly had no criminal history and was described as quiet and introverted.

“I was shocked, like, when you talk about things happening close to home, literally right next door,” neighbor John Richardson told NBC10. “So, I was completely shocked, and it’s just an unfortunate situation that lives were taken yesterday.”

The shooting has also raised new concerns about hospital security.

Vynisha Richardson, a Wilmington Hospital employee, told NBC10 that she often saw Wallace-Bey at work and believes security measures need to be tightened.

Employees told the outlet that visitors go through metal detectors at the hospital’s main entrance, but workers can bypass security by showing a badge.

“As of yesterday, I think that needs to change,” Richardson said. “There should be metal detectors and maybe a constable or security guard at every entrance to this hospital.”

Wallace-Bey is expected to be extradited to Delaware. He faces charges including first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

Wilmington Mayor John Carney called the shooting heartbreaking in a statement Wednesday.

“I’m heartbroken for the victims and their loved ones, for the ChristianaCare team, and for the entire city of Wilmington,” Carney said. “Violence has no place in our community.”

He added that the shooting was especially disturbing because it happened inside a place meant to save lives.

“Our healthcare workers and their patients should never fear for their safety,” Carney said.