© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Gunman Opens Fire In Bronx Hospital, Killing 1 And Injuring 6

ROBERT SIEGEL, HOST:

There was a violent scene in New York City today. Authorities say a man pulled a rifle from under a white lab coat and opened fire inside a Bronx hospital, as NPR's Joel Rose reports.

JOEL ROSE, BYLINE: Just before 3 o'clock this afternoon, chaos unfolded inside the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. A former employee began firing, killing one person and wounding six others, five of them seriously.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

BILL DE BLASIO: This was a horrific situation unfolding in the middle of a place that people associate with care and comfort.

ROSE: Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke hours later outside the hospital. He praised the quick response by police and firefighters and what he called acts of heroism by the hospital's staff.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

DE BLASIO: The doctors, the nurses, all the personnel responded with extraordinary bravery, with cool professionalism. They protected each other. They protected their patients.

ROSE: Police say the shooter tried to set himself on fire before apparently turning his rifle on himself. Police Commissioner James O'Neill says officers went looking for him inside the hospital.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

JAMES O'NEILL: On the 17th floor, officers encountered the male suspect lying on the floor dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A female victim was also discovered on the 17th floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

ROSE: A law enforcement source identifies the gunman as Dr. Henry Bello. The name of the woman who was called has not been released. The mayor said the attack appeared to be workplace-related, but he did not elaborate or answer questions. Joel Rose, NPR News, New York. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Joel Rose is a correspondent on NPR's National Desk. He covers immigration and breaking news.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.