The 45-year-old man, who legally purchased semiautomatic rifle at a local gun shop less than three hours before the shooting, went to the local hospital and shot his doctor to death because the surgeon didn’t fix his back pain. On May 19, the shooter went into the hospital for a back surgery. Over the next few weeks, he called his back surgeon multiple times complaining of back pain and sought further treatment. The doctor saw the man for additional treatment on May 24, but the pain allegedly continued. On June 1, he again phoned the doctor to complain about back pain and wanted more help.
On Wednesday, the 45-year-old man from Oklahoma, Michael Louis, stormed St. Francis hospital and killed his back surgeon and three other people. Police officials said that the shooter legally purchased an AR-15-style rifle two hours before he went to the hospital. He was also armed with a semi-automatic handgun, which he bought on May 29 from a local pawn shop, the New York Post reports.
Louis reportedly shot and killed 4 people before he took his own life. According to the officials, the shooter was found with a letter that stated his intent to kill Dr. Preston Phillips and anyone who got in his way.
On May 19, the 45-year-old shooter went into the hospital for a back surgery, which was performed by Dr Phillips. Over the next few weeks, he called his back surgeon multiple times complaining of back pain and sought further treatment.
The doctor saw Louis for additional treatment on May 24, but the pain allegedly continued. On June 1, Louis again phoned the doctor to complain about back pain and wanted more help.
According to CNN, Louis also killed Dr. Stephanie Husen, receptionist Amanda Glenn and patient William Love. The hospital locked down its campus Wednesday afternoon because of the situation at the Natalie Medical Building, an outpatient surgery center and a breast health center.
The fatal shooting occurred right before 5 p.m. Wednesday. The responding officers arrived few minutes later and entered the building. Few moments later, the reportedly heard a gun shot. Investigators believe this was the final shot that Louis fired to kill himself.
During an interview with The Daily Beast, the shooter’s relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said that she is disgusted over the shooting.
“We are so distraught. I don’t even want to be associated because I’m so disgusted. It’s just so shocking. Like, if he had killed himself, okay. But those innocent people, that’s what I’m hurting about.” she reportedly said.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stit released the following statement:
“What happened today is a senseless act of violence and hatred. Sarah and I are praying for the families of those who lost their lives and for those who were injured. I am grateful for the quick and brave actions of the TPD and other first responders who did their best to contain a terrible situation.
I have offered Mayor G.T. Bynum any state resources that may be needed, and I ask all Oklahomans to come together in support of the St. Francis Health System community and to grieve with those whose lives have been forever changed.”