CHESTER, Pennsylvania – A tragic incident unfolded at a local industrial laundry and linen company as a gunman opened fire on his coworkers, resulting in the deaths of two brothers and the injury of three others. The shooter, identified as Wilbert Rosado-Ruiz, 61, went on a rampage through the facility on Wednesday morning, displaying a chilling calmness as he carried out the “cold-blooded shooting,” according to Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.
Rosado-Ruiz, an employee at the Delaware Linen Company since 2016, allegedly had a verbal altercation with a female coworker prior to the shooting. After a brief moment outside the building, he returned with a handgun and proceeded to shoot the woman, before targeting four other individuals in the facility. One surviving victim recounted that Rosado-Ruiz muttered, “I’m tired of people messing with me,” before firing at them.
Authorities reported that Rosado-Ruiz attempted to shoot a sixth person but was unsuccessful as the gun either jammed or ran out of ammunition. Police found evidence of multiple gunshots both inside and outside the building. As he left the scene, security footage captured him calmly walking towards his vehicle and firing at the injured woman again, narrowly missing her.
Two of the survivors were in stable condition, while another remained in critical but stable condition. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as officials investigate whether Rosado-Ruiz specifically targeted his victims or randomly opened fire on coworkers. Concerns had been raised about Rosado-Ruiz’s behavior prior to the shooting, leading to a meeting with company management.
Upon police arrival, the chaotic scene revealed the tragic aftermath of the shooting, with one victim found dead outside and another inside the building. Quick thinking by the officers included applying a tourniquet to a wounded individual to stem the bleeding. Residents in the area provided crucial information that aided in Rosado-Ruiz’s swift arrest shortly after the incident.
The horrific event shook the local community, with employees recounting the terror as they fled for safety. The business, a long-standing family-owned establishment, has been a staple in the region for decades. The aftermath of the shooting left employees and the owner grappling with the trauma, attempting to return to normalcy amidst the tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about how such a senseless act of violence could occur within a seemingly ordinary workplace. The impact of the tragedy extends beyond the physical injuries, leaving emotional scars on those present during the shooting. Authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, hoping to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.