Who was Bobby Smallwood? Security guard gunned down while protecting birthing center during Portland hospital shooting
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
PORTLAND, OREGON: The Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon, was left in shock and sorrow over the tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of security guard Bobby Smallwood over the weekend. He was on duty, protecting the birthing center at the hospital, when a gunman shot him on Saturday, July 22.
Despite efforts to save him, Smallwood succumbed to his injuries at a trauma center, leaving his family devastated by the sudden loss. His cousin, Rachel Milligan Moreno, took to Facebook to share the heartbreaking news and asked for prayers for their grieving family.
Who was Bobby Smallwood?
Smallwood, a security guard at the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, was shot by a gunman while protecting the birthing center. "Please pray for my family as we lost my cousin Bobby Smallwood yesterday as he was protecting the birthing center at a hospital," Moreno wrote, and added, "Please pray for his Mom, dad, brother and sister as they are dealing with the shock. We love you so much Bobby! Our hearts are broken. A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."
The identity of the gunman involved in the shooting is yet to be disclosed publicly by the police, but he reportedly fled the hospital after the heinous act. However, the police swiftly tracked him down a few hours later, and during the attempt to apprehend him, he was fatally shot by the authorities. Apart from Smallwood, another hospital employee also suffered injuries from the gunshots and was later discharged after treatment.
'Incomprehensible tragedy' shakes hospital community
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed his condolences saying, "This is an incomprehensible tragedy and I send my heartfelt condolences to those impacted. This highly volatile situation required substantial resources and coordination to address. I am incredibly grateful to (the Portland Police Department) for their fast response to protect our community." The horrific incident has shaken the hospital community and the city as a whole. Legacy Health, the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital's parent company, issued a statement about the incident. "Words cannot express the profound grief we are experiencing," said Kathryn Correia, the president, and CEO, continuing, "We offer our unwavering support to Bobby’s loved ones, to our patients in our care, to the staff at Legacy Good Samaritan and to all of our employees and providers suffering today."