A murder-suicide at Westchester Medical Center left a patient and her husband, the suspect, dead Wednesday morning, prompting panic and a massive police response.

Dozens of officers swarmed the hospital around 9:40 a.m. in response to reports of a gunman on the fourth floor. Panic-stricken people flocked to the hospital to check on family members, but officials say no one else was hurt.

Police say the suspect, 71-year-old Richard DeLucia, killed his wife, Ann, and then himself with a .38-caliber revolver. 

Authorities later found a note at their home that indicated Mr. DeLucia was distraught about his wife's medical issues and wanted to end her suffering, according to a county spokesperson.

According to hospital employees, the staff trains for active-shooter situations.

Westchester Medical Center CEO Michael Israel says authorities sealed off the fourth floor and locked down the hospital. 

It's unclear how DeLucia snuck a pistol into the building, where firearms are prohibited. Israel says the hospital will review its safety procedures.

The medical center says it never ceased caring for or admitting patients.