At least four civilians were killed on Wednesday after an active shooter incident unfolded near the St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, police have confirmed. The gunman is also deceased.
Tulsa Police detailed during a late news conference that officials were still attempting to confirm the identity of the shooter, who they described as a Black male between the ages of 35 and 40. Officials have also indicated that the shooter appeared to be armed with a rifle and a handgun.
Tulsa Police Captain Richard Meulenberg relayed to reporters that the gunman had taken his own life as officers were attempting to kick in a stairwell door in order to gain access Natalie Building, which is located near 61st Street and Yale.
Authorities have further revealed that the first calls for the shooting scene was "fairly limited" to one section of the facility's second floor. Calls on the shooting were first received at 4:52 p.m. local time, with officers making contact with the suspect at 5:01 p.m. Officers had been directed to the second floor of the building upon immediately hearing gunshots.
Initial reports have detailed that "multiple" individuals were injured during the mass shooting; however, no officers were among the injured tally.
Preliminary findings have indicated that the gunman was looking for a certain doctor at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa City Councilwoman Jayme Fowler told reporters. The three of the victims reportedly appeared to be a doctor and two nurses.
Officials have said that after finding the gunman down, they tried to rescue individuals who had been hurt as first responders moved to clear the facility of any potential threats, of which there were none.
US President Joe Biden has reportedly been briefed about the incident and is "closely monitoring the situation." Following last week's shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, the American president called on the nation to "stand up to the gun lobby" and introduce restrictions on open arms sales.
Police are advising people to stay away from the area. Families evacuated, who have been separated, will be reunited at Memorial High School.
According to the ATF Dallas Field Division on Twitter, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is assisting on the site of the incident.