Michael Louis and the 2022 Tulsa Hospital Massacre
Overview of the Attack
On June 1, 2022, 45-year-old Michael Louis carried out a targeted mass shooting inside the Natalie Medical Building on the Saint Francis Hospital campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Louis entered the medical complex armed with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle and a .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun. He went to the second-floor offices of the Warren Clinic Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine department, where he fatally shot four people before taking his own life.
The attack was not considered random. Investigators determined that Louis intended to kill orthopedic surgeon Dr. Preston Phillips, whom he blamed for continuing pain following a recent back operation. Louis also killed three other people who were working in or visiting the medical building. The entire attack unfolded within minutes, causing patients and employees throughout the hospital campus to shelter behind locked doors while police officers rushed toward the sound of gunfire.
Medical Treatment and Growing Anger
Dr. Preston Phillips performed back surgery on Louis on May 19, 2022. Louis remained hospitalized for several days and was reportedly discharged on May 24. After leaving the hospital, he repeatedly contacted Phillips' office and complained that he was still experiencing serious pain. Medical personnel attempted to address his concerns, and Louis was seen for a follow-up appointment on May 31, one day before the shooting.
Authorities said Louis became increasingly angry because he believed the surgery had failed and that Phillips was responsible for his condition. Police later found a letter on Louis in which he identified Phillips as his intended target. According to investigators, the letter indicated that Louis planned to kill Phillips and anyone who stood in his way.
Firearm Purchases
Louis purchased the handgun used in the attack from a pawnshop on May 29, 2022. On the afternoon of June 1, only hours before the massacre, he legally purchased an AR-15-style rifle from a Tulsa-area gun store. Police reported that Louis also obtained ammunition before traveling to the Saint Francis Hospital campus.
Louis drove to the parking garage connected to the Natalie Medical Building. The second-floor entrance from the garage was open to the public, allowing him to enter the building while carrying the weapons. He proceeded toward the orthopedic clinic where Phillips and other medical employees were working.
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