A Chicago police officer is dead and another remains in critical condition after a shooting at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital on Saturday morning, according to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.
The incident began when a robbery suspect, already in police custody, was taken to the hospital’s emergency department for treatment around 11 a.m. Hospital staff confirmed the individual was “wanded upon arrival” for weapons and escorted by law enforcement at all times, as required by safety protocols.
Despite these measures, the suspect opened fire on officers as they were being escorted through the hospital, then fled the building before being apprehended. A weapon was recovered when the suspect was taken into custody, though authorities have not disclosed how the firearm was obtained.
The fallen officer, identified only as being from the 17th District, was shot in the head, according to NBC News. The second officer remains in critical condition. Neither officer has been publicly identified pending notification of family members.
Endeavor Health confirmed that no hospital staff or patients were injured in the incident, but the medical campus remained on lockdown into the afternoon as SWAT teams and tactical units swept the facility and surrounding Ravenswood neighborhood.
Witnesses described a scene of sudden chaos. Beatriz Cortez told ABC7 she saw “police officers detectives passing us by and more than one, one, two, four, five, ten” before realizing something serious was unfolding. Neighborhood resident Ria Majeske said she had lived in Chicago her whole life and “never seen anything like this.”
Alderman Andre Vasquez, whose 40th Ward includes the hospital, urged residents to remain calm, noting the suspect was in custody and the investigation was ongoing. Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward and Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly expressed grief and gratitude for the officers’ sacrifice in social media posts.
Superintendent Snelling emphasized at a news conference after 4 p.m. That whereas questions remain about how the suspect obtained a weapon, the immediate focus must be on the officers and their families. “This is about these officers and their family members,” he said. “The loss of life – the senseless loss of life of an officer who was out attempting to protect the city.”
How did the suspect get a gun inside the hospital despite security protocols?
Authorities have not disclosed how the suspect obtained a firearm, stating the investigation is ongoing. The hospital confirmed the individual was scanned upon arrival and escorted by law enforcement at all times, raising questions about a possible breach in protocol or concealed weapon.
What is the condition of the injured officer and when will their identity be released?
The second officer remains in critical condition. The identities of both officers have not been released pending family notification, as confirmed by Chicago police officials.