Man Accused of Fatal Shooting Inside Tacoma ER Now Facing First-Degree Murder Charge

On August 8, 2025, the community of Tacoma, Washington was rocked by a shooting inside the emergency room waiting area of MultiCare Allenmore Hospital. Law enforcement officials have now confirmed that the suspected gunman, 25-year-old Martice Ryan, has been apprehended following a multistate pursuit and coordinated effort by Tacoma Police, the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Spokane Police. Ryan was taken into custody in Kittitas County after several days on the run and is being held without bail on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Authorities say Ryan entered the ER waiting room and, without any apparent connection to the victims, began firing. The tragic event resulted in the death of a male victim, who succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene. A second victim—a woman—was struck by a bullet grazing her stomach, but thankfully she was treated and released in stable condition. Hospital officials have confirmed her recovery and expressed sympathy for all those affected by the “senseless violence.”

The incident prompted an immediate review of security protocols at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital, with hospital administrators pledging to work with law enforcement to strengthen safety for both patients and staff. Tacoma Police continue to investigate the motive and circumstances behind the attack, emphasizing that Ryan had no prior relationship with either victim.

Incident Overview:

A man was shot and killed inside the emergency room of Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma, WA on Wednesday, August 8, 2025. A woman was also shot, treated, and released.

• Suspect and Circumstances:
• The shooter followed the victims into the ER after an altercation off-campus.

According to the Tacoma Police Department, the male victim died at the scene despite immediate lifesaving efforts from medical staff. The female victim, a 21-year-old woman, sustained a grazing wound and was treated and released. 

 

This incident highlights a disturbing reality for nursing professionals: violence in healthcare settings is increasing at an alarming rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other industries. A 2022 National Nurses United survey found that 48% of hospital nurses reported an increase in workplace violence incidents—nearly double from just two years prior.

For emergency department staff, the threat is even more pronounced. Emergency departments report the highest rates of workplace violence in healthcare settings, with 47.5% of emergency physicians reporting being physically assaulted at work, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

The Tacoma hospital enacted immediate safety protocols following the shooting, restricting access and temporarily prohibiting visitors while ensuring all staff remained safe. The hospital has since returned to normal operations, but the emotional impact of such an event can linger long after physical safety is restored.

As the investigation continues, nursing professionals across the country are reminded of the complex reality of providing care in increasingly volatile environments.

This is a developing story. Nurse.org will continue to update this article as details are released. 

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