Shooting at Oklahoma Hospital Claims Four Lives, Assailant Fatally Wounded: Police Report
In a shocking turn of events, a shooting at St. Francis Health System in Tulsa, Oklahoma, claimed four lives, including Dr. Preston Phillips, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
The gunman, who had purchased an AR-style rifle just hours before the incident, targeted Dr. Phillips, blaming him for ongoing pain after a recent surgery. The attack took place at a health center campus, and the shooting spree lasted approximately 4 minutes from the time emergency calls were received to when police engaged the shooter.
Dr. Phillips, a 59-year-old man with a distinguished career, had graduated from Harvard Medical School and served as section chief at the Warren Clinic in Tulsa. His colleagues and patients described him as a kind and compassionate individual.
The suspect, whose identity beyond the motive and circumstances has not been publicly released, also killed three others before taking his own life.
The shooting has sparked a wave of condemnation and calls for change, with many public figures criticizing Oklahoma's stance on firearm regulations. The incident is the latest in a series of fatal shootings that have occurred in the United States over the past month, including the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, where an 18-year-old gunman used an AR-15 to kill 21 people, including 19 children.
Amidst the grief and outrage, there are signs of bipartisan efforts for change. Some key government legislators have expressed cautious optimism, and a group of senators has reportedly been focusing on possible areas of compromise. They are reportedly considering legislation to raise the minimum age for gun purchases or to allow authorities to remove guns from individuals considered a threat to themselves or others, but not an outright ban on high-powered rifles.
However, weapon regulation faces resistance in the United States from many Republicans and some rural-state Democrats. President Joe Biden has vowed to continue pushing for reform on gun control.
Elizabeth Buchner, a legal assistant who lives behind the clinic where the shooting occurred, witnessed a large police presence. "I have never seen so much law enforcement at one place in my entire life," she said.
As the investigation continues, the community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, mourns the loss of four lives and seeks answers for the senseless act of violence. The management of St. Francis Health System has offered assistance to local authorities in their ongoing investigation.
The senseless act of violence at St. Francis Health System has sparked political debates, with public figures criticizing Oklahoma's stance on firearm regulations, while President Joe Biden continues his push for gun control reform. Meanwhile, the shooting, where Dr. Preston Phillips was among the victims, has reignited discussions about enhancing general-news policies, especially in the context of crime-and-justice issues, as four lives were tragically lost.
