Security guard shot dead and another injured when gunman opens fire at Portland hospital; Extensive search for suspect underway
A security guard was shot dead by a gunman who opened fire at a hospital in Portland, Oregon.
A second security guard was also injured just before noon at the Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in northwest Portland when the gunman opened fire at the facility.
The incident resulted in the hospital immediately being placed under lockdown for several hours.
As a result, several roads in the area were closed, causing significant disruption to the area where various shops and restaurants are located.
Police are at the scene after a shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in northwest Portland
While the facility was under lockdown, staff were forced to wait outside the hospital
Hospital staff and patients wait on a street corner after the shooting
The shooting happened just before 12 noon on Saturday when police activated their tactical emergency units.
Police conducted a search of the area for the suspect, who is believed to have fled shortly after the incident, KPTV reports.
The incident led to the evacuation of Fred Meyer Stadium while police searched for the suspect, while the hospital went under lockdown and patients and staff took shelter while authorities searched for the shooter.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who is also the police commissioner, said he was receiving updates on the situation and urged residents in the area to remain vigilant pending further updates.
“This is still an ongoing investigation and we urge people in the area to remain vigilant until further notice,” he said.
Police cordoned off a four-block radius around the hospital and taped people away.
The area between Northwest 21st and 23rd Avenues from Lovejoy to Northrup Street was cordoned off and all traffic blocked.
A second security guard was also injured at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in northwest Portland.
A man, Mo Badreddine, was on his way to the hospital when he received a call from his father who was being treated there.
“I told him I was on my way back and he said I couldn’t come in,” Badreddine told OregonLive. “He said there was an active shooter.”
Badreddine said he was concerned the gunman had not been caught and that his father could be in danger.
“I just want to make sure my dad can go home,” he added.