UPDATE: Leaders React to Wilmington Hospital Shooting; Suspect Identified

UPDATE: The Wilmington Police Department has identified the suspected gunman from Tuesday’s shooting at the ChristianaCare Wilmington Hospital.

Police have arrested 23-year-old John Wallace-Bey of New Castle on charges of first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon. He is pending extradition to Delaware after being arrested in Philadelphia on Tuesday night.

Additionally, police have identified the two victims of the shooting as two 19-year-old males. Officers say the victim who remains hospitalized is listed in critical but stable condition, and the name of the victim who succumbed to his injuries will be released at a later date.

Leaders across the state reacted to the shooting on Wednesday. U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester and U.S. Representative Sarah McBride (all D-Del.) gave their support to those impacted, saying the following:

“Today, our hearts break for Wilmington. A gunman turned what should be a place of healing and hope into a place of terror. Our doctors, nurses, and support staff are the best of Delaware. They hold us together in our darkest hours. Today, it is on us to be strong for them in their time of pain and grief. Our hearts are with the families of the victims and the Wilmington Hospital community. We’re grateful to the many police officers and first responders who rushed to the scene and captured the suspect. This is the second time in less than a year that Delawareans working to serve others have faced targeted gun violence. We have to address gun violence. We cannot become numb to this.”

In their statement, the federal representatives reference an incident from Dec. 2025, in which a Delaware State Police Trooper was killed while working at at the New Castle Department of Motor Vehicles.

“I’m heartbroken for the victims and their loved ones, for the ChristianaCare team, and for the entire city of Wilmington. Violence has no place in our community,” said Wilmington Mayor John Carney. “It’s particularly distressing that such violence and tragedy unfolded at a facility with a primary function of providing lifesaving care. Our healthcare workers and their patients should never fear for their safety.”

Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing, and further information will be released as soon as possible.

WMDT will continue to update this story as details are made available. 

Image Courtesy of ABC-Affiliate WPVI

WILMINGTON, Del. – One person is dead and a suspect is in custody following a shooting Tuesday afternoon at Wilmington Hospital in Delaware.

Wilmington police say the suspect in the incident, a 23-year-old man, has been taken into custody in Philadelphia. Charges and extradition to Delaware are pending. So far, investigators have not released the suspect’s identity.

Police say there were two gunshot victims, one of them dying from their injuries. The condition of the second person who was shot has not been released at this time. Both identities of the victims are also being withheld.

An initial investigation determined this was a targeted and isolated incident.

The lockdown at the hospital has since been lifted.

This article was originally published on Jun. 16 at 10:47 a.m.