One police officer dead after Chicago hospital shooting

A shooting at a Chicago hospital on Saturday morning left a police officer dead and another critically injured, according to Chicago police superintendent Larry Snelling.The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, is in custody, according to Andre Vasquez, alderperson for the city’s 40th ward.Before the shooting, the individual had already been in police custody related to a suspected robbery, Snelling told reporters at a news conference.The person was taken to Endeavor Health Swedish hospital’s emergency department for treatment and was “wanded upon arrival” for weapon detection, the hospital said in a social media post.The suspect opened fire on officers as they were being escorted through the hospital before fleeing the building. He was later apprehended, according to the hospital.Authorities have not shared how the individual got hold of a firearm due to the ongoing investigation.“We have a lot to unravel here,” Snelling said at the news conference. “I just want to be clear about one thing: we can talk about the crime and the criminal activity that led up to this, but right now this is about these officers and their family members. The loss of life – the senseless loss of life of an officer who was out attempting to protect the city.”The officers have also not been publicly identified. One officer was shot in the head, according to NBC News.“This is a horrible situation all around,” Gilbert Villegas, alderman for Chicago’s 36th ward, posted on social media. “Thank you to CPD for the quick response and swift action. Sending my thoughts and prayers … ”“Our hearts are heavy with grief for the CPD officer killed in the line of duty, and we pray for another officer shot and fighting to stay alive,” said Brendan Kelly, director of the Illinois state police, in a statement posted on social media. “Words cannot express sufficient gratitude for their sacrifice, nor convey the depth of loss.”As of Saturday afternoon, Endeavor Health’s medical campus remained on lockdown.