TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa leaders and officials came together in a press conference Thursday morning to reveal details about the active shooter situation.
A gunman entered a clinic on the 2nd floor of the Natalie building in Warren Clinic near 61st and Yale around 5 p.m. on Wednesday and killed 4 people before taking his own life.
Tulsa police chief Wendell Franklin released details about the victims and suspect.
Who were the victims? Who is the gunman?
During a press conference, TPD Police Chief Wendell Franklin revealed the identities of the victims of the deadly shooting:
- Dr. Preston Phillips
- Dr. Stephanie Husen
- Amanda Glenn, a receptionist
- William Love, a patient
He identified the gunman as Michael Louis, who died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
What were the gunman's motives?
Frankin said Louis went to Dr. Phillips for back surgery. Lewis was released on May 24 but kept calling the office over several days complaining of pain and wanting more treatment.
On May 31, Louis saw Dr. Phillips again to seek more treatment. He then called the office again on June 1 complaining of pain and wanting more assistance.
Police found a letter on Louis that made it clear he came into the hospital to kill Dr. Phillips and anyone who stood in his way. He specifically blamed Dr. Phillips for the ongoing pain following his back surgery.
The timeline of the shooting
ATF officials said Louis purchased a semi-automatic handgun on May 29, then purchased a semi-automatic rifle from a local gun store on the day of the shooting.
Around 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday, a doctor outside of the Warren clinic was in video chat with a doctor in the orthopedic office and called 911 saying that doctor told her to call. Minutes later, 911 calls about a shooter in the building came through dispatch. Additional calls revealed the shooting happened in the Natalie Building, a 5-story building with numerous offices and practices.
By 4:56 p.m., Tulsa police arrived on the scene..
On the 2nd floor, officers identified themselves and advanced toward the suspect when they heard the final gunshot. They found the suspect and rescued a woman hiding under a desk. They said she was there when he took his life but was not injured.
Police continued the search for victims and rescued an elderly woman from a room with one of the victims. They later found Dr. Phillips dead.
Multiple witnesses and victims spoke with the police about their experiences of the shooting.
Police discovered dozens of casings from both the handgun and the rifle on the scene. Officers remained on scene investigating until 3 a.m. before turning the facility back over to hospital staff.
What is the future of Saint Francis?
Multiple officials from Saint Francis discussed their thoughts and grief in this tragic situation.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum gave his thanks to the first responders who responded quickly to the shooting. He says his focus now is on grieving.
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Previous coverage:
Five people are dead including the shooter, according to police. District 9 Tulsa City Councilor Jayme Fowler told 2 News that Tulsa police told him the shooter took his own life.
The victims and the gunman have not been identified as of Thursday morning. City leaders are expected to give another update around 10:15 Thursday morning.
Witnesses told 2 News about the tragic afternoon.
SEE MORE: Photos from the scene
Officials with Saint Francis released a statement about the deadly shooting.
"Saint Francis Health System is grieving the loss of four members of our family. As a faith based organization, the only recourse we have at this moment is to pray while we navigate this tragedy.
Out of respect for the families, we are not commenting on or releasing names of those lost or injured at this time.
We are sincerely thankful for the quick response by the Tulsa Police Department, first responders and EMS agencies. And, our deepest gratitude extends to the members of our own Saint Francis family who cared for their own during this incident.
To allow our staff and caregivers the opportunity to process today’s tragedy, all Warren Clinic appointments in Tulsa and Broken Arrow scheduled before noon tomorrow have been cancelled.
Additionally, the Warren Clinic Orthopedic offices in the Natalie Building will be closed until further notice.
We ask that you please pray for the employees and physicians of the Saint Francis Health System."
Yale was closed in the area and police urged people to avoid the area. Families reunited at Memorial High School. Parents and kids playing a baseball game at the nearby stadium witnessed the chaotic reaction to the scene.
Police say they responded to the active shooter call around 5 p.m. and responded within minutes to the second floor of the building. Officers say they could hear shots on that floor which is where they made contact with victims and the shooter.
Police confirmed later that they've connected a bomb threat at a home in Muskogee to the gunman in the Tulsa shooting. That home was cleared and 2 News is still working to confirm identities of the homeowner.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum also spoke about the situation Wednesday evening:
Officers found the shooter dead along with a rifle and handgun. He has not been identified.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt released a statement in the hours following the shooting:
“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 Saint Francis Health System community and to grieve with those whose lives have been forever changed.
What happened today in Tulsa 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 Tulsa Police Department and other first responders who did their best to contain a terrible situation."
Oklahoma state leaders also released statements following the shooting.
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