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On Saturday morning, a nurse and a social worker were shot and killed at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. The deadly shooter is in custody. According to local news source WFAA, law enforcement found the victims near the labor and delivery area in the maternity ward.

Methodist Health System (MHS) police, Dallas Fire-Rescue, and the Dallas police all responded to the shooting in the 1400 block of North Beckley Avenue.

Methodist Dallas suspect wounded

The suspect Nestor Hernandez, 30, opened fire on the women who were allegedly protecting their newborn patients.

Hernandez is on-parole for aggravated robbery. According to Dallas police, he was wearing a tracking ankle monitor when he attacked the hospital personnel.

The suspected shooter was shot and wounded by an on-site MHS officer responding to calls for help after Hernandez started shooting. 

The MHS Police arrested the suspected shooter for capital murder.

Dallas police then sent the man to an unidentified hospital for treatment. 

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, noting that the alleged killer was on an ankle monitor, said the shooting is “an abhorrent failure of our criminal justice system.”

Grief in Dallas

"The Methodist Health System Family is heartbroken at the loss of two of our beloved team members. Our entire organization is grieving this unimaginable tragedy. Our prayers are with our lost co-workers and their families, as well as our entire Methodist family. We appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time," the Hospital statement said.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson tweeted that, "Our city loves our healthcare heroes, and our residents will be there for them as we grieve and seek swift justice."

Dr. Serena Bumpus, RN, CEO of the Texas Nurses Association, told local Fox 4 that, "Our hearts are broken. This is unacceptable. No person should fear for their life for merely going to work, especially a nurse or health care worker whose passion is to help others heal. We hope our legislators understand that we need to protect our health care workers."

“As the Dallas Police Department and Methodist Hospital investigate this incident we stand in unity with the victims and all those affected by this tragedy and ask that the community come together in support of our nurses at this time,” Bumpus added.

The Methodist Health System said in a statement that it is “heartbroken at the loss of two of our beloved team members.”

“Our entire organization is grieving this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement said. “Our prayers are with our lost co-workers and their families, as well as our entire Methodist family. We appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time.”