At least three persons including a police officer, a doctor and a pharmaceutical assistant killed after a gunman opened fire at Chicago’s Mercy Hospital. Among the deceased, one is believed to be the gunman’s former fiance. The incident occurred between 3 and 3:30 pm on Monday.
The deceased police officer is identified as Samuel Jimenez, is survived by three children. As per reports, he joined the force in February 2017 and had recently completed his probationary training and became a full-fledged officer. However, the suspect, apparently shot in the head, was also found inside the hospital.
“What I would ask is that you keep all the victims of today’s horrific incident in your thoughts and prayers,” Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson told CNN.
Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer for Chicago police in a tweet said, a Chicago Police officer was shot and is in critical condition, but he is receiving “excellent care.”
The incident of firing at Mercy hospital drew numbers of law enforcement and emergency responders. According to the report, Vehicles with flashing lights cordoned off the blocks around the busy medical centre.
“We heard some shots so we all ran to the emergency window, we see this guy out there, military style, shooting at the police — pow, pow, pow,” an eyewitness said.
A SWAT team responded to the 292-bed hospital near I-55 in Bronzeville, the historically black neighbourhood located just south of the South Loop neighbourhood. Nearby buildings, including the nearby National Teacher’s Academy, were locked during the attack. Mercy Hospital said in a tweet later that the incident was over and that all patients were safe.
Lenice Donaldson, a pharmacy tech at Mercy hospital, said she was in the back to get a drink and had just returned as she heard the gunshots. She and the other techs locked themselves up until police got them out, she said.
“It’s just unbelievable. We came out with our hands up and there was blood all over the floor in the lobby,” Donaldson said. “It’s a shame.”
Taking to microblogging site Twitter, Democratic Sen, Dick Durbin of Illinois thanked law enforcement members for their response. He wrote: “My heart is with Mercy Hospital in Chicago tonight. I am praying for the victims, their families, and those who were injured during the shooting this afternoon. And I am extremely grateful to the Chicago Police Department who responded with bravery.”
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