In a tragic incident at Delaware County Linen company in Chester, Pennsylvania, a disgruntled employee opened fire on Wednesday morning, killing two people and injuring three others. The shooter, identified as 61-year-old Wilbert Rosado-Ruiz, was an employee of the family-owned linen company.
The shooting occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the company’s facility on West Fourth Street. According to Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Rosado-Ruiz arrived at the business and began shooting his co-workers. “Two people have died, and three others are hospitalized. I urge everyone in the area to keep them in their prayers,” Stollsteimer said at the scene. He described the incident as an “absolute tragedy.”
The victims include brothers Leovanny Peña, 29, and Giguenson Peña, 26, who were fatally shot inside the building. Three other employees, including a woman that Rosado-Ruiz got into an initial argument with, were injured in the shooting.
According to police, the woman exited the building after being shot. Investigators said Rosado-Ruiz was recorded on video pursuing her across the street and attempting to shoot her again. Police indicated that he either ran out of bullets or the gun misfired as he aimed at her. The injured employees were rushed to Crozer-Chester Medical Center. One of the injured is in critical condition.
It was a typical workday when Rosado-Ruiz, who had been involved in verbal altercations with other employees, returned to the workplace armed with a handgun. According to Stollsteimer, “The day before the shooting, employees met with the business owner, indicating that Rosado-Ruiz had been experiencing issues with his co-workers.”
Surveillance footage showed Rosado-Ruiz walking through the business and methodically shooting his co-workers.
After the shooting, Rosado-Ruiz fled the scene in his vehicle but was quickly apprehended by the Trainer Police Department.
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots expressed his shock, stating, “Violence is unpredictable. We can’t always understand the circumstances people face, especially in an impoverished city like ours.”
Employees at Delaware County Linen were left in shock and grief. Doneshia Johnson, a neighbor who lives next door to the linen company, said, “It’s usually very quiet here, and we rarely have any problems, so this is shocking. You never know what might happen. That’s why you wake up, say your prayers, and hope to make it home safely daily.”
The incident deeply affected the community of Chester, known for its tight-knit nature. The mayor and other officials have called for stronger gun control measures and better mental health services to prevent such incidents in the future. Mayor Roots emphasized that “firearms must not end up in the wrong hands.”
The White House reached out to the Chester community, and local organizations are providing grief counseling to those affected by the tragedy. Chester Community Coalition, a local group, has offered counseling services to help residents cope with the emotional aftermath.
Mayor Roots highlighted the importance of community support in such times of crisis. “We are a resilient community. We’ve faced numerous challenges, but no one could have foreseen this,” he said. The mayor praised the police for their swift action in capturing Rosado-Ruiz without further incident, adding, “In a situation like this, that’s the best outcome we could hope for.”
The Delaware County Linen shop has operated since 1988 and serves various businesses, including restaurants and hotels. The company reopened for business on Thursday, but the scars from the incident remain.