A San Francisco supervisor is calling for better security at San Francisco General Hospital after a patient there allegedly stabbed and killed a social worker.
Supervisor Shamann Walton’s district includes the hospital, where 51-year-old Alberto Rangel was attacked Friday in the long-term HIV clinic. Wilfredo Tortolero Arriechi, 34, was arrested at the hospital and charged with murder by San Francisco prosecutors on Monday.
Rangel died Saturday.
Walton called the incident a “devastating tragedy” that never should have occurred. He said he’s asking the two city agencies responsible for hospital safety — the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office and Department of Public Health — for detailed information on current safety protocols for the hospital and what changes will happen after the stabbing.
“I am waiting to see what happens as a result of investigations in terms of what actually took place,” he said. “After we see the investigation … we have to come up with policies and the protocols that are going to protect employees.”
Walton said those policies could include ensuring there are metal detectors and other security protocols to prevent people from getting inside the facility with a weapon. He noted that he’s heard complaints from hospital staff about safety issues at San Francisco General.
Sheriff’s officials said that Arreichi had threatened a doctor who works at the HIV clinic before the attack.
“I want to make sure that every single employee and every single city and county facility is protected regardless of what your position is or what your profession is,” Walton said. “Our responsibility is to protect everyone at the hospital. And that goes for the employees, patients, and everyone who comes through the door. So that’s my focus.”
In a statement, the Department of Public Health thanked the staff who “acted bravely” during the attack and said the entire community is mourning this “devastating loss.”
“This tragedy has deeply impacted our workforce. We have witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of love and kindness from staff, patients, and community members. Hundreds of people have come forward over the past several days to offer support, reflecting the profound impact our colleague had as a caregiver, friend, family member, and human being. Their dedication to serving others was evident in every aspect of their work, and they will be deeply missed,” the statement read.
Prosecutors charged Arriechi on Monday with one count of murder, with an allegation that he used a deadly weapon in the commission of the murder. He will be arraigned on Tuesday.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help — anyone with information can call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.
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