COLUMBIA, S.C. — Orangeburg Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter spoke before the House chamber Wednesday morning, updating lawmakers on the shooting at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg.
Cobb-Hunter says the county administrator asked her to address the body about the importance of supporting mental health issues.
Cobb-Hunter says the suspect in the shooting went to the hospital Tuesday seeking mental health treatment, but was told there were not enough beds in the facility.
She says law enforcement officers took a weapon from the man and told him to come back Friday. She says the man came back Wednesday morning with another gun and started shooting.
Cobb-Hunter told lawmakers she has been told the victim in the shooting is a nurse at the facility and was undergoing surgery as of 11 a.m.
Lawmakers concluded by holding a moment of prayer.