Pennsylvania workplace shooting leaves 2 dead and 3 injured; suspect arrested

A former employee, reportedly disgruntled, unleashed gunfire at a linen company just outside Philadelphia on Wednesday morning, resulting in five people being shot, two fatally, according to officials.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. at Delaware County Linen in Chester, Pennsylvania, approximately 20 miles from Philadelphia, as stated by Justin Tibbels, a spokesperson for the mayor’s office. Established in 1988, the company specializes in providing linen rental and laundering services to businesses across southeastern Pennsylvania and neighboring states.

Three individuals wounded in the shooting were transported to a nearby hospital, with one victim listed in critical condition, Commissioner Steven Gretsky announced during a news briefing. Details regarding the conditions of the other two victims were not immediately available.

Chester Mayor Stefan Roots disclosed that among those shot was the suspect’s supervisor, condemning the incident as another instance of gun violence and workplace aggression that should not be tolerated.

The suspect, believed to be a former employee, was apprehended while attempting to flee the scene, according to Margie McAboy from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. However, no further information regarding the suspect was provided.

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer expressed profound sorrow over the loss of two lives, emphasizing that the perpetrator directed their anger towards colleagues.

Eyewitness accounts painted a harrowing picture of fear and pandemonium as the shooting unfolded. Sisters Sandra Castro, 19, and Esthe Castro, 25, who were both on duty at the time, recounted hearing screams and immediately seeking refuge, fearing for their safety and each other’s well-being.

The tragic event adds to the staggering toll of mass shootings in the United States this year, with at least 168 recorded incidents according to the Gun Violence Archive. Mayor Roots reiterated the urgent need for stronger gun control measures to prevent such senseless acts from recurring.