Brigham and Women's Hospital, a prevalent hospital in Boston, reports that a lone gunman opened fire on a single doctor today in the hospital. The gunman fired two shots at the doctor and was found dead in a room with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The gunman, identified as 55 year-old Stephen Pasceri, entered the hospital asking for a specific doctor around 11 in the morning. Pasceri then shot two rounds at the doctor in front of an examination room on the second floor of the hospital. The doctor, whose identity is withheld, is in critical condition at the hospital as a result of the life-threatening wounds. Officials at the hospital say that there is no longer an armed threat. Pasceri, the shooter, was found dead in an examination room as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot.
The gunman is not believed to be a patient at the hospital, but had a specific reason for targeting the doctor. According to the New York Times, William B. Evans Commissioner of Boston police confirmed this information.
"There was a particular reason why he targeted this doctor "¦ At this time, there is no threat out there," said Evans.
"He was targeted and that reason right now is unclear "¦ There was something in the past that upset this guy," said Commissioner Evans regarding the shooter.
The doctor suffered critical injuries and is currently in the emergency room of the hospital. Brigham and Women's Hospital does not have metal detectors at the entrance, which is typical of the hospitals in the area. Officers as well as hospital staff reacted quickly to the attack. Boston police officers had secured the area within 15 minutes of the phone call from the hospital that first alerted them of the situation. The hospital will review its security and safety protocol.
