Deadly Shooting Rocks WA Hospital ER — Gunman Still on the Loose

The emergency room at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, became the site of a targeted shooting on Wednesday evening, leaving one man dead and a woman injured. The incident, which occurred just after 7 p.m., began with an altercation outside the hospital that tragically followed the victims into what should have been a place of healing and safety.

Incident Overview:

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

• Suspect and Circumstances:
• The shooter followed the victims into the ER after an altercation off-campus.
• No suspect description is currently available.
• Police are actively searching for the suspect.

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 in Tacoma with the suspect still at large, 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. 

🤔 Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.