‘I’m lucky to be here’ says survivor of Milwaukee ER lobby shooting
By Hannah Hilyard
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — A Milwaukee native is recounting the moment he was shot inside a downtown hospital early Monday morning.
Investigators said a gunman shot two people at Aurora Sinai Medical Center around 2:15 a.m. Monday. One person died from his injuries.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 40-year-old Christopher M. Robinson Jr.
The second victim, Sharone Wrencher, told WISN 12 News a bullet grazed his stomach.
He said he was in the hospital that night for chest pains. After he was discharged, he said he waited in the lobby for a ride and fell asleep.
“I was kind of sort of dozing off. I woke up out of my sleep with a graze wound,” Wrencher told WISN 12 News Tuesday. “I was just shocked. I was traumatized. I can’t believe something like this would happen, you know. This is an ER where you’re supposed feel safe.”
He lifted his shirt to reveal a bandage on his lower abdomen.
Wrencher said he didn’t recognize the shooter and doesn’t know how long the shooter had been in the lobby before opening fire. He said he saw the other victim lying on the ground in front of him.
WISN 12 News has been in contact with Robinson’s family, and they said he is an organ donor.
“So so so sorry for the man and his family. You know, my heart goes out. You should never have to go through that,” he said. “I’m lucky to be here. Thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ I’m still alive. Just maybe two or three inches over and that thing could have went into my abdomen and killed me.”
Officers did take the suspected gunman, a 38-year-old Milwaukee man, into custody in connection with the shooting. Police booking records showed he was in custody, initially accused of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, although that charge will likely be upgraded.
WISN 12 News has learned the hospital has metal detectors at the main entrance and emergency department. Aurora has yet to answer how the shooter got a gun in the lobby.
They’ve only sent a statement saying in part, “We worked with law enforcement in response to a situation inside our facility. We are grateful for their rapid response and continued partnership. Care is being provided for those affected, and there is no ongoing risk to the public.”
Aurora also said in a statement, “we are heartbroken by the incident that took place in our Emergency Department lobby, and our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and everyone affected, including our own dedicated care teams. As we continue our internal review and partner with local law enforcement as they actively investigate this event, we are focused on making sure our teammates have the support and resources they need during this difficult time.”
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