Police officer among four killed in US hospital shooting

GB news 24 desk//

Four people have died in a shooting at a Chicago hospital, including two female members of staff and a police officer, and the gunman himself.

The two women killed were a doctor and a pharmaceutical assistant, Mayor Rahm Emanuel confirmed. A police spokesman said the gunman had died in an exchange of shots, but it is not clear if he took his own life. A second officer avoided injury after a bullet fired in his direction became lodged in his gun, police said, reports BBC.

Officials say the gunman appeared to target a woman he was in a relationship with, but they do not suggest a motive.

“Chicago lost a doctor, pharmaceutical assistant and a police officer, all going about their day, all doing what they love,” said Mr Emanuel. “This tears at the soul of our city. It is the face and the consequence of evil.” The incident occurred at Chicago’s Mercy Hospital at about 15:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Monday.

“Multiple shots” were fired after the gunman opened fire in the hospital’s car park, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department said.

Patients at the clinic later described hearing gunfire as the suspect made his way into the building, local media reported.

The officer who was shot at but escaped injury during the incident shared images of a bullet embedded in the side of his gun, Chicago news broadcaster ABC7 reported.
Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi later confirmed “with profound sadness” that an officer named as Samuel Jimenez had died in hospital of his injuries.

Mercy Hospital was quickly evacuated during the incident as armed police swarmed the scene. The hospital later confirmed that police were able to secure the area, ensuring the safety of dozens of patients.

Other images from the scene showed people rushing outside the facility, including some staff in uniform.