Gunman turned weapon on himself.
QUICK FACTS:
- Four are dead and 10 more injured after a gunman opened fire inside a Tulsa, Oklahoma medical center Wednesday evening.
- The gunman was initially described by law enforcement as a black male between the ages of 35 and 40 and was said to have taken his own life.
- By Thursday afternoon, the shooter was positively identified by Tulsa Police Department as Michael Louis, according to The Epoch Times.
- Louis reportedly brought a rifle and a handgun to the medical center, eventually killing doctors Preston Phillips and Stephanie Husen.
- The other two victims killed by Louis were identified as receptionist Amanda Glenn and patient William Love, according to Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin.
REASON FOR THE ATTACK:
- The police chief told reporters that Phillips was targeted due to complications from a recent surgery he performed on Louis: “On May 19, Michael Louis went into the hospital for a back surgery.”
- Officials said they found a letter on Louis’ person that said he came with the intent to kill Phillips and “anyone who got in his way.”
- Louis reportedly blamed Phillips for persistent back pain after his May 24 release: “Right after release, Louis called several times over several days complaining of pain and wanted additional treatment,” the chief remarked. “He blamed Dr. Phillips for the ongoing pain following the surgery,” Franklin said.
- “We grieve with the families after this senseless tragedy. We grieve with the co-workers,” Franklin added. “And we pray. We pray because we all need prayer.”
BACKGROUND:
- The medical center that was attacked was part of the Sait Francis Health System who released a statement on Wednesday, grieving the loss of four employees:
- “As a faith-based organization, the only recourse we have at this moment is to pray while we navigate this tragedy,” hospital officials said. “Out of respect for the families, we are not commenting on or releasing names of those lost or injured at this time.”
