The San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced that it will hire an independent security firm to review safety procedures after a UCSF social worker, 51-year-old Alberto Rangel, was fatally stabbed at San Francisco General Hospital.
Tragic Incident at Ward 86 Sparks Urgent Action
The attack happened in broad daylight inside Ward 86, the hospital’s HIV care clinic. Staff members reported that they had previously raised concerns about the suspect — a patient at the clinic — as well as general security issues inside the building.
According to police, the suspect used a 5-inch knife, which was later recovered from the scene. Rangel was attacked in front of colleagues and died from his injuries two days later despite emergency medical efforts.
Suspect Charged With Murder
Officials have charged 34-year-old Wilfredo Jose Tortolero-Arriechi with murder. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon. Prosecutors say he targeted a doctor at the clinic and had made threats earlier that day.
Timeline of Events
- The suspect reportedly visited another San Francisco clinic earlier that morning and said he was heading to Ward 86 to find the doctor.
- A sheriff’s deputy was assigned to the area for safety support.
- The suspect appeared “calm” before suddenly attacking Rangel near the elevator.
Independent Review to Examine All Security Protocols
The upcoming review will analyze:
- Current security systems and infrastructure
- Staffing and building layout
- Visitor screening procedures
- Protocols for handling high-risk patients
At the time of the attack, Buildings 80 and 90 did not have metal detectors or weapons screening. The incident has been reported to the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA.
Immediate Safety Actions Planned
Hospital officials announced several security upgrades:
- Installing weapons detection systems at Buildings 80 and 90
- Limiting entry to a single, controlled access point
- Adding “security wanding” for screening visitors
- Changing entrance protocols when a patient is labeled a high-risk threat
- Working with the sheriff’s office to improve emergency intervention procedures
Hospital CEO Susan Ehrlich expressed condolences, stating that the tragedy “should never have happened” and that both short-term and long-term safety improvements are underway. She welcomed the independent review and promised to implement its recommendations.
Sheriff Staffing Has Declined in Recent Years
Although sheriff’s deputies have historically provided security at San Francisco General Hospital, their numbers have decreased. On the day of the attack, a deputy was already present due to earlier threats made by the suspect.
Conclusion
The fatal stabbing of social worker Alberto Rangel has raised serious concerns about hospital safety and security practices. With staff previously warning about the suspect and the lack of weapons screening, the incident has prompted a full independent review and immediate safety actions. Officials say they are committed to making sure such a tragedy never occurs again.
