SPOKANE — A man shot and killed an Eastern State Hospital employee in the hospital’s parking lot before a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot and killed the suspect early Saturday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.

The shooter, who made statements about aliens and an army coming, may have been involved in a brush fire and shots fired inside a Medical Lake home leading up to the fatal shooting, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we grieve the violent and tragic loss of one of our employees at Eastern State Hospital,” according to a statement from Washington state Department of Social and Health Services. “We send our heartfelt support to the victim’s loved ones and to our dedicated employees and patients who are affected by this lo

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