'Gunman' bursts into US hospital sparking lockdown and huge police response

'Gunman' bursts into US hospital sparking lockdown and huge police response The lone male suspect remains contained inside the emergency department at Bonney Lake Hospital, near Seattle, authorities have said A man has walked into the emergency department at a US hospital then claimed to be armed and issued threats, triggering a hospital lockdown and a massive police response. The incident at MultiCare Bonney Lake Hospital began to unfold at around 9:20 am local time (5.20pm UK time) when the man entered the emergency room and made the threats, Bonney Lake Police Chief Mark Berry said. The hospital was immediately placed on lockdown with Bonney Lake police officers and Pierce County Sheriff's Office deputies rushing to the scene. Patients were evacuated from the building, Berry said. The lone male suspect remains contained within the emergency department, authorities have said. SWAT officers and crisis negotiators are at the scene and are actively in talks with the man. Berry said there is no threat to the public outside the immediate vicinity and that authorities are hopeful for a peaceful resolution. In an official statement, MultiCare confirmed that all staff and patients are safe and that no injuries have been reported. It said: "We are currently responding to a security incident in the MultiCare Bonney Lake Emergency Department. All staff and patients are safe, and there are no reported injuries," the statement read. "Bonney Lake Police are on site and working with a negotiator. The safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and community remain our highest priorities. We are closely coordinating with law enforcement and will share additional information when available." The hospital confirmed that the Bonney Lake Emergency Department has been closed and is not accepting patients. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the suspect or a possible motive. Negotiations were still ongoing on Friday.