Doctor, Suspect Dead After Shooting at Brigham and Women’s Hospital [Updated]

Photo by Margaret Burdge

UPDATE:

The doctor who was shot twice by a man who confronted him inside the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital died late Tuesday night after he succumbed to his injuries.

The hospital released the following statement:

This evening, Dr. Michael J. Davidson, director of Endovascular Cardiac Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has tragically died as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained this morning during the shooting event at the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center. Dr. Davidson was a wonderful and inspiring cardiac surgeon who devoted his career to saving lives and improving the quality of life of every patient he cared for. It is truly devastating that his own life was taken in this horrible manner. At this time, Dr. Davidson’s family has requested privacy, and we ask for your support in honoring their request during this very difficult time. At this time, no one from BWH will be available to comment further.

The Globe has identified the alleged shooter as Stephen D. Pescari, of Millbury, and the Suffolk County DA’s office and the Boston Police are seeking motive.

EARLIER:

One person is dead, and a doctor is in critical condition following a shooting on the second floor of the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston on Tuesday.

During a press conference at the hospital’s headquarters, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said that an unidentified suspect went to the Shapiro Center armed with a gun before he allegedly shot a doctor on duty at the facility and then proceeded to take his own life.

“What we have right now is we have a doctor from Brigham and Women’s who sustained two gunshot wounds who is in life threatening condition,” said Evans.

Evans said the suspect came into the hospital Tuesday morning and asked for that particular doctor. “Why for whatever reason [he asked for that doctor] is what we are looking into,” he said. “There was a particular reason he targeted this doctor, and for now we clearly believe we have the suspect deceased who was responsible for this action.”

He said the incident is “leading them to believe” that “something in the past” led the suspect to come to the Shapiro Center seeking out the doctor who was shot.

At around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Boston Police said one person was apprehended at the hospital after someone was shot inside the hospital’s building. “Suspect in the Brigham [and] Women’s shooting has been located [and] is in custody. Situation under control,” police said in a tweet to followers.

Officers said the victim’s injuries were “life threatening,” and the gun used in the shooting had been recovered by investigators.

Representatives from the hospital sent out a statement immediately after the incident alerting staff to remain in place, and said the Shapiro Center was in lockdown mode. “More information will be shared as it becomes available,” the statement said.

State Police confirmed via social media that they were assisting Boston Police, but that the department would be handling the investigation into the incident. Streets near the hospital were closed down during the search for the alleged suspect. The lockdown at the Shapiro Center was lifted by 12:09 p.m., according to hospital staff.

Evans commended hospital workers for their quick response time after the shooting occurred. “A lot of credit goes to the staff. When we arrived they couldn’t be more cooperative, they couldn’t be more helpful,” he said. “we were able to secure the scene in 15 minutes.”

He said that the great response time from the hospital staff was the result of  several training exercises Brigham and Women’s conducted with Boston Police over the last year in regards to active shooting scenarios. “When  we came up, everyone was doing exactly what we trained for,” Evans said.

Elizabeth Nabel, president of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, commended staff and the BPD for the overall response. “I want to thank the entire staff of Brigham and Women’s Hospital who responded in a remarkable manner to secure area and provide care and aid to the victims,” she said.

The doctor who was shot was not identified by police or the hospital, and the investigation is ongoing.