Around 6.30am on Friday, 23 May, 2025, we received reports of a man having entered the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow with a crossbow. Police, including specialist firearms officers, attended and a 29-year-old man was arrested. Want to know more about the incident? Let’s explore the whole scenario!
Introduction
A 29 year-old man has been arrested after entering a hospital in Glasgow carrying a crossbow. Armed police were called to the incident at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital at around 6.30am this morning, Friday. Inspector Alyssa Fullelove-McCann said: “I’m aware this incident will be concerning but I’d like to provide reassurance that it is being treated as isolated and there is no ongoing risk to the public. “Officers will remain in the area while enquiries are carried out and anyone with concerns or information can speak to them or call 101.” The hospital’s atrium was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident, but has since reopened as normal.
A Shocking Breach of Security
Let’s face it—hospitals are the last place you expect to hear the words “armed suspect.” But that’s exactly what happened at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where a man was arrested after entering the premises carrying a crossbow. Yeah, a crossbow—like something out of a medieval battle, not modern-day Glasgow.
Why This Incident Is a National Wake-Up Call
This wasn’t just a bizarre one-off. It’s a wake-up call for how we handle security in public spaces, especially hospitals. With rising concerns about weapons, mental health, and public safety, this incident is stirring up big questions that can’t be ignored any longer.
Queen Elizabeth University Incident
Key Facts: What Went Down
On the afternoon of the incident, staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital noticed a man behaving suspiciously. He was carrying a large object concealed beneath his coat. Moments later, they discovered it was a crossbow.
How the Man Entered with a Crossbow
Reports suggest he walked in through a public entrance—no metal detectors, no bag checks. That’s typical for most hospitals, but it’s clear now that it left the door wide open for danger—literally.
Who Reported It and When
A nurse reportedly alerted security after spotting the man near the main atrium. Security responded quickly and called the police, who arrived on the scene in under 10 minutes.
Immediate Response by Authorities
Officers from Police Scotland arrived rapidly and managed the situation with professionalism. The hospital was partially locked down to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
The man was surrounded in a corridor near the emergency department. He reportedly surrendered without incident once he saw he was cornered. Thankfully, no bolts were fired.
Specialists were brought in to examine the weapon and ensure it was safe to remove. It was later confirmed to be functional and loaded—a chilling thought.
Inside the Hospital at the Time
“It was like something out of a movie,” said one hospital visitor. Panic spread quickly, but staff kept people calm. “We saw security rushing, and then the announcement came,” another visitor shared.
Doctors and nurses acted swiftly. Some ushered patients into rooms, others closed off hallways. Their calm response probably prevented a chaotic scene from becoming something worse.
Parts of the hospital were placed on lockdown. Entry and exit points were closed, and internal movement was restricted. Emergency protocols were activated as trained.
The Man Behind the Weapon
The suspect, a 39-year-old local man, hasn’t been named publicly yet due to ongoing investigations. Initial reports suggest no known affiliation with any terrorist group or organized crime. He is believed to have a history of mental health issues, which raises serious questions about how someone in that condition gained access to such a weapon. As of now, police say there’s no indication he was targeting anyone specifically. It appears to have been a random act, but investigations are still underway.
Crossbows and the Law
You might be surprised to learn that crossbows are legal in the UK. You don’t need a license to own one. Yep, anyone over 18 can just buy one online or in-store. They’re sold like sports equipment—no background checks, no restrictions beyond age. That’s unsettling, right? Many are calling for crossbow ownership to be regulated like firearms. After all, a bolt can be just as deadly as a bullet.
Hospital Security Measure
Most UK hospitals focus on accessibility over security—understandably, since they’re public health spaces. But maybe it’s time that changes. This incident exposed several holes: no bag checks, no metal detectors, and minimal onsite armed security. Calls are growing for hospitals to implement layered security systems, including tech like AI surveillance and mobile panic buttons.
Reactions from the Public and Media
Within minutes, the story trended on Twitter and Facebook. People were shocked, angry, and scared. Hashtags like #HospitalSafety and #BanCrossbows blew up.
Police Scotland issued a calm but serious statement, emphasizing that the public was never in immediate danger. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde praised staff for their swift action.Trust is shaky. People are questioning whether public spaces—especially those meant to be safe—are truly secure.
Political and Legal Aftermath
Home Secretary and Health Ministers have already spoken out. Urgent reviews of hospital security and crossbow laws are underway. MPs are demanding action—some calling for an outright ban on crossbows. Others argue for mandatory mental health assessments for weapon buyers. Change seems likely. It’s just a matter of how fast the bureaucracy moves and how loud the public pressure gets.
Comparisons with Similar Events
This isn’t the first time. Crossbows have been used in several fatal attacks in recent years—including family disputes and random acts of violence. Other countries, like Australia, have cracked down hard on crossbow sales. The UK may follow suit. Knife crime and now crossbows—violence is evolving. And so must our response.
Conclusion
The arrest of a man wielding a crossbow at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital has shocked the nation. It exposed vulnerabilities in our security, highlighted the loopholes in weapon regulation, and raised critical questions about mental health care. But more than anything, it reminded us that even the safest places aren’t immune to danger—and that we must act now, together, to protect them.
FAQs
Was anyone hurt during the incident?
Thankfully, no one was physically harmed. The suspect was arrested without resistance.
Why are crossbows not banned?
Crossbows are currently legal in the UK for sporting use and collecting. There’s no license requirement, which is now under scrutiny.
How can the public help improve hospital safety?
By staying alert, reporting anything suspicious, and supporting policy changes around security and mental health.
Will the hospital increase security?
Yes, NHS officials have confirmed a review is underway and new safety measures are expected soon.
Is this part of a bigger trend in violence?
Yes, there has been an uptick in non-firearm weapons used in violent incidents, raising broader concerns about public safety.
