Graphic Facebook Live Video Shows Trump Rant And Man Driving Car Into Hospital ER
Warning - video discretion advised.
“Middlesex hospital is not safe,” said Steven Ellam, 27, on Facebook Livestream before intentionally crashing his vehicle into the hospital’s emergency department and setting himself on fire. The vehicle stopped just a few feet before the lobby.
According to the hospital’s Vice President, David Giuffrida, there were 20 hospital staff and 30 patients present during the crash on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018. Fortunately, no staff or patients were seriously injured.
Ellam is heard on camera referring to himself as “Jesus Christ” and allegedly says that President Donald Trump is “protecting the Illuminati."
According to witnesses, after crashing into the hospital Ellam then doused himself in flammable liquid and set himself on fire. He attempted to proceed into the facility but, was unable to make it past the entrance. The video does not show these events but, Ellam can be heard yelling, “save me.”
Authorities found multiple cans filled with flammable liquid in his vehicle and then searched his home. Nearby homes were evacuated. Middletown’s Mayor, Dan Drew, says he believes this was an isolated incident.
“It was intentional, but we are not going to speculate as to why,” stated Drew.
Ellam was airlifted to Bridgeport hospital and remains in critical condition after suffering severe burns.
Drew acknowledged the quick responding hospital staff, “as tragic as it is, as difficult as it is for our community to contend with, had very limited overall damage, in part because of the quick response from hospital staff, police officers, and firefighters.”
The emergency department remains closed, as it is now a crime scene. Officials are currently reviewing security footage from the hospital and have called in help from state and federal authorities.
Reportedly, Connecticut’s Department of Public Health will be sending its field hospital to the area while the E.D. is closed. The temporary field hospital houses 40-beds and will likely be staffed by Middlesex hospital staff.
Ellam’s criminal record shows a history of violent crime and family assault. It 2015 he was reportedly released early from prison after serving only 33-months of his 7-year sentence for strangling a woman.
Many are speculating about Ellam’s mental health and questioning his release from prison. He was allegedly ordered to undergo inpatient treatment at Connecticut Valley Hospital two years ago.
No charges have been filed against Ellam.
