Children's Hospital getting back to normal after shooting
WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- Officials with Children's Hospital of Wisconsin say staff are doing everything they can to provide comfort to families that were in the hospital in the wake of a shooting that took place on Thursday, November 14th.
"Of course yesterday was a frightening day and we are doing everything we can to make sure we are providing comfort to families who were in the hospital yesterday afternoon," said Dr. Mike Gutzeit of Children's Hospital.
Ashanti Hendricks
Milwaukee police were called to the hospital around noon on Thursday for a report of a wanted felon with a gun in the neonatal unit. When the suspect, identified as Ashanti Hendricks, was approached, he was holding a baby. After putting the child down safely, he fled -- and later in a hallway, he displayed a handgun and was shot and wounded by an officer.
On Friday afternoon, hospital officials held a news conference to say they are proud of the way staff responded calmly as trained to the situation.
Officials say they have been visiting the patient care units at Children's Hospital -- and addressing any patient needs, whether physical or emotion, in the wake of the shooting. They say their focus over the last 24 hours has been providing the best and safe care for their families and kids.
As far as security systems, Dr. Gutzeit said a safety drill a month ago and Thursday's incident make him feel confident about security. But staff will look at it again.
"What we will do is look at this incident, do several debriefs work with law enforcement and if we find opportunities for improvement we will do so," said Dr. Gutzeit.
As for the gunman, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office says Hendricks is expected to be charged early next week.
RAW VIDEO: Children’s Hospital news conf. on shooting aftermath
RAW VIDEO: Children's Hospital news conf. on shooting aftermath