Tacoma, WA – Chaos Outside MultiCare Allenmore Hospital as Gunfire Erupts at Emergency Room Entrance
TACOMA, WASHINGTON — August 6, 2025 — A terrifying and deeply unsettling incident unfolded this evening outside the Emergency Room entrance of MultiCare Allenmore Hospital, sending shockwaves through the Tacoma community. At approximately 7:05 p.m., multiple frantic 911 calls began flooding into emergency dispatchers, each reporting the same chilling detail: gunfire erupting just outside the ER entrance of one of the city’s central medical centers.
First responders rushed to the scene within moments, converging on the normally bustling hospital entrance, now transformed into a zone of panic and bloodshed. Officers from the Tacoma Police Department, supported by Pierce County deputies and hospital security, arrived to find multiple victims on the ground, some with critical injuries. Hospital staff, many of whom were already inside tending to other patients, were forced to go into lockdown protocol as the sound of gunshots echoed through the corridors.
Witnesses described a chaotic and surreal scene. “I was just walking my grandmother in through the ER doors when we heard popping sounds—loud, sharp, too close,” said Justin Reyes, a Tacoma resident. “People started screaming and running. I grabbed her and ducked behind the wall near the ambulance bay.”
Initial reports indicate that at least three individuals were shot, one of whom is confirmed to be in critical condition. Others were treated for injuries sustained while fleeing the scene, including broken bones and lacerations. One hospital staff member reportedly suffered a panic attack during the ordeal but is recovering.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect—described by witnesses as a lone male wearing dark clothing—fled the scene immediately after the shooting. A manhunt is now underway, with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals and ATF, assisting in the investigation. Surveillance footage from the hospital and nearby traffic cameras is being reviewed to identify and locate the shooter.
Tacoma Police Chief Avery Jackson addressed the public just after 9 p.m., offering limited but critical information. “We believe this was a targeted incident, not a random act of violence against the public. Nevertheless, this occurred in a place that should be a sanctuary of healing—this is unacceptable. We are doing everything we can to find the perpetrator and ensure our community remains safe.”
Chief Jackson also commended the hospital staff and security for their swift response and bravery during the crisis. “The actions of the nurses, doctors, and staff who helped victims while under the threat of violence were nothing short of heroic.”
MultiCare Health System issued a statement late Wednesday evening confirming that the hospital remains operational, though ER access has been rerouted through a secure entrance. “We are deeply saddened and disturbed by tonight’s events. Our focus remains on caring for the injured, supporting our staff, and cooperating fully with law enforcement. The safety of our patients and personnel is our top priority.”
Local and state officials, including Mayor Victoria Woodards, have also expressed their shock and sorrow, promising a thorough investigation. “A hospital should never be the site of such horror,” Mayor Woodards said in a press release. “We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”
Meanwhile, the surrounding neighborhood remains on edge. The sound of gunfire in such a sensitive and public location has rekindled ongoing discussions about gun violence, public safety, and mental health resources in Pierce County. Advocacy groups have already begun mobilizing to call for greater security measures at healthcare facilities and increased support for gun control initiatives.
As of late Wednesday night, police have not released the identities of the victims, pending family notification. However, grief counselors are being dispatched to the hospital and nearby schools, and a community vigil is being planned for Thursday evening outside Allenmore Hospital to honor those affected.
What was supposed to be a place of healing became a site of fear and bloodshed in mere moments. As investigators work tirelessly to find answers and as a shaken community begins the long road toward healing, one thing is heartbreakingly clear: the scars left by tonight’s tragedy will not fade quickly.