One Chicago Police officer was killed and a second critically wounded after a prisoner being treated at Swedish Hospital opened fire Saturday morning in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, authorities said. The suspect was later arrested following a standoff at a nearby residence.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said the shooting occurred at about 10:50 a.m. A 38-year-old officer and 10-year department veteran died from injuries sustained in the attack after being rushed to an area hospital. A 57-year-old officer and 21-year veteran was critically wounded and taken for treatment. Authorities did not immediately release the officers’ names.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News Chicago the prisoner obtained a firearm while at the hospital and shot the officers. The gunman then fled to a home several blocks away, where SWAT teams surrounded the location and eventually took him into custody. Snelling said a third gun was recovered during the arrest.
Snelling said the suspect had initially been arrested on suspicion of robbery and was brought to Swedish Hospital for observation before the shooting.
Endeavor Health, which operates Swedish Hospital, said no hospital staff or patients were injured and that the organization is cooperating with law enforcement. Chicago Alderperson Andre Vasquez asked residents to shelter in place while the incident unfolded.
Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnson called the shooting a reminder of the risks officers face. “These are the dangers of policing,” Snelling said. “This is a very, very and extremely dangerous profession…” Johnson thanked the department and the city for supporting officers and said the tragedy underscores the need to ensure the police department has necessary services and resources.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker posted that Illinois mourns the loss of the officer and prayed for the recovery of the critically injured officer, thanking first responders.
A procession for the fallen officer was held from Illinois Masonic Hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.