In July 2014 a mental patient (Richard Plotts) shot and killed a case worker then tried to kill his psychiatrist.
The patient, intent on murder, and having illegally obtained a firearm, ignored the fact the medical building was a gun free zone.
Philly.com | Upper Darby man, with a criminal record and a long history of mental illness, brought a gun to his appointment July 24, 2014, on the campus of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital on the border of Darby and Yeadon Boroughs. Once inside a small medical office with Hunt and Silverman, he pulled out his weapon, shooting Hunt in the head and firing at Silverman.
But Dr. Silverman was also armed…
Silverman was struck in his thumb and forehead; a bullet bounced off his skull, the doctor said Friday. But Silverman also was armed. From his pocket, the psychiatrist retrieved a handgun and fired back at the patient, striking him three times.
Had Dr. Silverman followed the gun-free zone rules he and any unknown number of others would be wounded or dead because Plotts had another 39 rounds in his pocket, in a building filled with people who were supposed to have been disarmed.
NRO | District attorney Jack Whelan said: “If Dr. Silverman did not have the firearm and did not utilize the firearm, he’d be dead today. And other people would be dead.” In fact, the doctor had breached the facility’s “no firearms” policy by carrying a weapon with him to work. The facility released a statement saying that it looked forward to his “return to serving patients at our hospital.”
Mercy Health System did not hold Dr. Silverman’s actions against him. In fact, they were grateful.
We are thankful for the swift action of Dr. Lee Silverman, Dr. Jeffrey Dekret, John D’Alonzo and the other colleagues and visitors who took brave and difficult action during yesterday’s tragic event. We extend our condolences to Theresa Hunt’s family, and we are praying for Dr. Silverman’s speedy recovery. We look forward to Dr. Silverman’s return to serving patients at our hospital. We will do all we can to support the victims during this difficult time.
H/T Philly.com, NRO, and Bearing Arms
