Community members gathered at First Unitarian Church in Wilmington for a healing vigil, two weeks after police say a former intern shot two men inside Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital, killing one. The event brought together hospital staff, faith leaders, and local residents to support those affected by the shooting, according to FOX 29’s Shawnette Wilson.
Police say 23-year-old John Wallace Bey, a former hospital intern, shot two 19-year-old men inside Christiana Care Wilmington Hospital, killing one. Bey was arrested later that night after fleeing.
Physician David Chen led the vigil and shared messages from coworkers who did not attend because they are still living with trauma or afraid to speak out. “They are the nurses who saw the faces of the wounded and the dead and see them still even when their eyes are closed,” said Chen. “And some spoke even of shame in naming those feelings. Shamed that we could not protect someone else and we could not protect ourselves,” said Chen.
A community physician, Bryan Haines, helped organize the vigil and read a reflection from a nurse who described confusion and fear during the shooting. “I remember the confusion, the shouting, officers and SWAT team rushing through asking how to get downstairs but no one said there is an active shooter, no one told us what was happening or that our lives were in danger. I remember the fear,” said Haines. “I was back at work the next day not because I was ready but because I had no choice,” said Haines.
The vigil included candles to remember the victims and support those left traumatized by the shooting.
The vigil aimed to address grief and trauma experienced by hospital staff and the community. Organizers also wanted to highlight the ongoing issue of gun violence and the importance of mental health support. “Unfortunately gun violence is too common of an occurrence, it gets scarier and more traumatic when it happens in a place where you should feel safe,” said Haines.
The event brought together faith leaders and mental health advocates to offer resources and support for those affected.
The shooting happened two weeks ago when police say Bey, who was in an internship program at the hospital, shot two men.
One of the victims died. The hospital staff continued to care for patients during and after the shooting.
“We kept caring for patients. We moved on instinct while our minds screamed to run but we didn’t,” said Chen.
Many staff members are still dealing with the trauma and grief from that day.
The current condition of the surviving victim is unclear at this time.
