Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Statement on Law Enforcement-Involved Shooting in Hospital

Below is a statement from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anish Mahajan regarding the shooting of a patient by law enforcement:

“Last week, a tragic event occurred at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center when a patient experiencing a psychiatric crisis was shot and critically injured by a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy from the South Los Angeles Station. The Deputy is not a member of the Harbor-UCLA based Sheriff’s unit and was on-site to provide security services for another hospitalized patient who was in an adjacent room.  Multiple investigations are underway within and outside the hospital about how and why this incident occurred. The Board of Supervisors will deliberate on a motion by Supervisors Ridley-Thomas and Hahn “to direct the Office of Inspector General to take all actions necessary to conduct a thorough and fair investigation” of the incident.

While we await the findings of these investigations, hospital leaders, in partnership with stakeholders, will review best practices on how to provide security services that optimally protect the health and safety of patients, visitors, and staff.  As a safety-net hospital, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center cares for the most vulnerable patients, in their hours of greatest need.  Our patients deserve to know that when they enter the doors of our hospital, their care and safety is our highest and only priority.”