The Violation of Sanctuary: Unity Hospital Under Siege

Wednesday afternoon saw a truly heartbreaking scene unfold in Greece, a suburb of Rochester. Unity Hospital, a place where the vulnerable go for healing and safety, was forced into an immediate, terrifying lockdown due to an “unfolding situation.” The image of heavily armed police officers flooding the facility at 1555 Long Pond Road is a visceral shock—a violation of the sanctuary that a hospital represents. For the patients in beds, the expectant families, and the tireless staff, this was a sudden, devastating confrontation with potential danger in the one place they should feel most secure.

A Moment of Terror: Staff and Patients Trapped

The deployment of a mass, armed police response indicates the extreme severity of the threat being managed. Inside, countless individuals—including critical care patients, newborns, and medical professionals—were forced to remain hidden, their safety dependent on the skill of law enforcement and the composure of the hospital staff. This incident is a powerful, painful reminder of the constant, invisible threat modern society poses, even to our most essential and sacred institutions. We must acknowledge the fear and trauma endured by everyone who was trapped inside Unity Hospital during this harrowing lockdown.

Gratitude and Vigilance: Praying for Peace in Greece, NY

We extend our deepest gratitude to the heavily armed police officers and all first responders who bravely ran toward the chaos at Unity Hospital. Their immediate response and courage ensured the safety of the scores of people inside. As the situation resolves and the lockdown is lifted, the community must rally around the hospital staff, who face the difficult task of returning to normalcy while processing this trauma. We pray for the continued safety of everyone at Rochester Regional Health and demand a renewed focus on ensuring our places of healing remain inviolable sanctuaries of safety and care.