Security Tight Following Shooting at VA Medical Center

A VA Medical Center in Florida is tightening access to its facility following a shooting that injured two staff members.

• By Sydny Shepard
• Mar 06, 2019

Security changes have been made at a VA Medical Center in Riviera Beach, Fla. following a shooting inside the center last week.

VA Police implemented the new security changes Monday night. After normal business hours, vehicles will only be able to enter at one single point of access to the parking lot. Every other entrance will be closed at 5:30 p.m. until 5 a.m., and will remain closed over the weekends.

An officer has also been placed at the entrance, and all employees, veterans and visitors must show a valid ID. 

The changes come less than a week after shots were fired inside the emergency room. According to the FBI, a 59-year-old a suspect pulled out a small handgun and opened fire inside the emergency area.

A doctor sustained a gunshot wound while fighting the disarm the suspect and another staff member was also grazed by a bullet.

The VA also plans to install a guard house at the entrance of the building facing Blue Heron Boulevard and Victory Lane.