George H.W. Bush’s Heart Doctor, Mark Hausknecht, Murdered In Drive By Bicycle Shooting
George H.W. Bush‘s cardiologist, Dr. Mark Hausknecht, was shot while riding his bicycle on July 20. Hausknecht was pronounced dead Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was 65.
The killer was also on a bicycle, going in the opposite direction before 9 a.m. that morning, according to a Houston Police Department press release. Police say it’s unclear if Hausknecht was targeted or if it was at random.
Jim McGrath, Bush’s spokesperson, released a statement remembering the late heart doctor.
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“Mark was a fantastic cardiologist and a good man,” Bush said in the statement. “I will always be grateful for his exceptional, compassionate care. His family is in our prayers.”
Statement by President @GeorgeHWBush on the tragic death of Houston cardiologist Dr. Mark Hausknecht. pic.twitter.com/Wl0g6IK3c5
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) July 20, 2018
Executive Assistant Police Chief Troy Finner said the suspect rode past the doctor then turned around, firing two shots near Texas Medical Center in Houston.
“We are actively looking for a suspect,” Finner said. “A good thing about the medical center is that there are a lot of cameras. We’re hoping that we can get some footage of this and bring this violent criminal into custody.”
“In any big city, crime can happen at any time. The most important thing is we have to watch out for one another. If you see something, say something,” Finner added.
An EMT, who asked to remain identified, knew something was “wrong” while aiding the doctor.
“We stopped, rendered aid to the best of our ability,” the EMT said. “We’re limited when we have a patient loaded, we can’t act as a normal ambulance at that point in time. We pretty much just give first aid.”
Recently, the Houston Police Department released a sketch of the suspect:
UPDATE #2: Composite sketch just completed of the suspect wanted in yesterday’s killing of Dr. Hausknecht at 6600 Main. Suspect description remains same. If you recognize this male, call HPD Homicide 713-308-3600 or @CrimeStopHOU 713-222-TIPS. CS reward up to $5,000. #hounews pic.twitter.com/gQII98t7Ek
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) July 21, 2018
Hausknecht’s wife, Dr. Georgia Hsieh, released a statement regarding his death and guns in America.
“After spending his adult life saving and prolonging the lives of others, my talented husband, Dr. Mark Hausknecht, had his life prematurely ended,” she wrote. “‘Senseless’ has become a trite adjective to describe these tragedies, but what is senseless is the misguided notion that any society with more guns is a safer society.”
“When students cannot go to school without fear, and teachers need to arm themselves, what has this country come to?” she continued. “As a trained emergency medicine physician, I am no stranger to the devastating consequences of both intentional and accidental firearm use. Now my family and I have joined the ranks of the tens of thousands of other grieving Americans who lose innocent loved ones each year.”
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