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Authorities confirmed one police officer is dead, and another officer is “fighting for his life,” after a prisoner receiving medical treatment opened fire Saturday at Chicago’s Swedish Hospital.
A spokesperson for Endeavor Health told Fox News Digital a man in police custody was brought to the Swedish Hospital Emergency Department for treatment at about 9 a.m., was “wanded upon arrival” and “escorted by law enforcement at all times” in accordance with the hospital public safety weapon detection protocols.
Less than two hours later, at about 10:50 a.m., the two transport officers were shot, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said.
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One of the officers was pronounced dead, and the second officer is in serious condition, “fighting for his life,” Snelling said.
No team members or patients were wounded in the shooting, according to the hospital.
The male prisoner, who has not yet been publicly identified, was apprehended and remains in custody. He was initially arrested on suspected robbery charges.
Snelling noted a “third weapon” was recovered, though it is unclear where it was found.
The fallen officer was identified as a 38-year-old, 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, according to officials. The wounded officer was identified as a 57-year-old, 21-year veteran with the department.
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“Every single day that an officer gets up and puts on his or her uniform, they don’t really know if they’re ever going to return home,” Snelling said during a news conference Saturday afternoon.
“They understand that that is a hazard of this job and this profession, yet they go out, they do it over and over again, day in and day out for everyone who’s standing here right now to make sure that you’re as safe as possible.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson described the day as “a real difficult moment for our city.”
“It’s a tragedy,” Johnson said during the news conference. “Our officers stand in the way of harm every single day, risking their own lives. And along with them risking their lives, they have family that expect them to come home.
“One of our officers will not be able to return to their family, and I’m calling on the entire City of Chicago to pray for this officer’s family and that they heal from this tragedy. I’m also asking the City of Chicago to pray for one of our officers that is currently fighting for their life and is in serious condition.”
Gilbert Villegas, who represents Chicago’s 36th ward, took to X after the shooting, calling it “a horrible situation all around.”
“Praying for our officers,” Villegas wrote in a post. “Thank you to CPD for the quick response and swift action. Sending my thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery for the officers injured. This is a horrible situation all around. Hoping the staff and those present at Swedish Covenant Hospital are also okay.”
The hospital said it is cooperating with law enforcement.
The Chicago Transit Authority noted buses are being temporarily rerouted due to police activity in the area.
The police department did not immediately provide Fox News Digital with additional information.
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