A man shot outside a Halifax hospital Tuesday evening was not the victim of a random attack and could be connected to another shooting earlier this week, according to police.

A man in his mid-20s was shot outside the IWK Health Centre around 7 p.m., Halifax Regional Police said in a news release. Although multiple shots were fired, police said the man received a single, non-fatal bullet wound.

Although the identity of the shooting victim has not been released, authorities say he is known to police and is likely connected to a shooting that took place in the Halifax area Monday.

"It's certainly likely that this event is related to other incidents that have been going on lately," Sgt. Richard Gilroy said during a press conference Tuesday night.

Jimmy Melvin Sr., 48, was injured Monday afternoon when he jumped to avoid gunfire outside Jessy's Pizza on Herring Cove Road in Spryfield.

His family, including his son Jimmy Melvin Jr., has been linked to a spate of drug-related violence, including firebombings and shootings.

Melvin Sr. was paroled two years ago after serving nearly half of a 22-year sentence for drug trafficking and assaulting a peace officer.

Melvin Jr. was released on bail last Friday after Crown witnesses recanted their stories. He had been awaiting trial on more than a dozen charges related to a home invasion in Spryfield. He still faces breaking and entering charges related to a different case.

"There is no rats in the Melvin family," the younger one yelled at the scene of his father's shooting Monday.

"Death before dishonour," he said after spitting on the ground.

Police were looking for a dark Jeep Cherokee in connection with the shooting Monday afternoon. A vehicle matching the description was found on fire several hours after the shooting.

Gilroy said Tuesday preliminary reports suggest an SUV may also have been involved in the most recent shooting.

Police said Tuesday they hoped Monday's attack doesn't indicate a drug war has resurfaced in the area, which became particularly violent in 2006 and 2007.

"So we are doing everything possible to make sure there isn't a repeat of a string of violent incidents," Const. Jeff Carr, spokesman for Halifax Regional Police, said Tuesday morning before the shooting.

The victim of Tuesday's shooting was taken to the QEII Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, IWK Health Centre was in "secure mode" with security and police officers on guard at every entrance following the shooting outside the Women's Site University Avenue entrance. The facility is the largest hospital for women and children in the Maritime region.

Hospital CEO Anne McGuire told the media Tuesday evening that protecting patients, their families and hospital staff was top priority.