Police identified a suspect and took him into custody after an hourslong search, Campos said, though he declined to release the suspect’s name, age or motive.
“We do believe that this was not a random act,” Campos said. “We believe that the people involved knew each other in some way.”
The hospital was placed under lockdown following the shooting as officers swept the building floor by floor. Campos said authorities did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public once the suspect was located.
ChristianaCare, which operates Wilmington Hospital, said in a statement that the facility briefly suspended operations as a precaution while police conducted their search.
“The safety of our patients, visitors and caregivers is our top priority,” the hospital said. “We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.”
Campos said detectives were still working to determine what led to the shooting and asked anyone with information to come forward.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Campos said. “We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Police announced late Tuesday that they had taken the suspect into custody in Philadelphia following a manhunt, with charges and extradition to Delaware still pending. They described the suspect as a 23-year-old man.
A preliminary investigation determined that the shooting was a targeted, isolated incident, police said.
ChristianaCare, which operates Wilmington Hospital, confirmed the shooting and said the campus was initially placed on lockdown following the incident, though police said the lockdown has since been lifted.
The hospital had earlier said in a statement, “The campus is currently on lockdown, and the emergency department is on divert. We are working closely with law enforcement and taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers and visitors. This is an active police investigation for a possible active shooter.”
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons said he was monitoring reports of the shooting and urged the public to follow updates from local officials.
“I’m closely monitoring reports of a shooting at Wilmington Hospital,” Coons wrote on X. “I’m praying for everyone’s safety, including patients, health care workers, first responders, and law enforcement officers. Please continue to follow updates from local officials.”
Aerial footage from the scene showed a heavy police presence surrounding the hospital campus as officers responded to the incident.
Multiple law enforcement vehicles were seen outside the facility, and people were seen exiting the building with their hands raised.
Authorities have not released information about what led to the shooting, where inside the hospital it occurred, or a possible motive.
Campos said the investigation remains active and ongoing and that officials would release additional information as it becomes available.
Officials cautioned that the details released so far remain preliminary and could change as investigators gather more information.