Full Breakdown
Police Shooting at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital
4/26/2026, 3:10:53 AM
Hospital Shooting
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, a suspect in police custody opened fire in the emergency department of Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital (5140 N. California Ave., Ravenswood). Two officers were hit: a 38-year-old with ten years of service died, and a 57-year-old with twenty-one years of service was listed in critical condition. The suspect, detained for a robbery, fled but was recaptured. The hospital was locked down and later reopened; no patients or staff were injured.
Security Protocols
The detainee arrived at about 9 a.m. for medical observation. Hospital policy required a metal-detection wand scan and continuous police escort, yet the individual obtained a firearm and shot the officers. Investigators are reviewing how the weapon entered the secured area.
Official Responses
Snelling said the case remains “under investigation” and mourned the “senseless loss of life of an officer who is out attempting to protect the city.” Johnson called the incident “a difficult moment for our city” and asked for prayers. Pritzker expressed statewide mourning and urged prayers for the injured officer. The hospital affirmed its safety protocols, stating “the safety of our patients and team members remains our top priority.” Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly conveyed “heavy grief” for the fallen officer.
Criticism
Community leaders questioned how the detainee accessed a gun despite the wand scan and escort, urging an independent review of hospital security and police transport procedures.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the shooting time (10:45, 10:50 or 11:00 a.m.) and on the second officer’s service years (20 vs 21). Some reports cite a third weapon recovered; others do not. The suspect’s identity, motive beyond the robbery charge, and the firearm’s source remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Officers transported an individual over to the Swedish hospital for an observation, at which time two of our officers were shot,” — Larry Snelling, Chicago Police Superintendent
- “I'm sad to say that we've lost another officer in the line of duty and another officer who's been critically injured,” — Larry Snelling, Chicago Police Superintendent
- “This is a difficult moment for our city, it's a tragedy. 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,” — Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago
- “Illinois mourns the loss of an officer who was shot and killed at Swedish Hospital. May their memory be a blessing, and may we come together to pray for the critically injured officer's recovery. Grateful for our first responders who were on the ground.” — JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
Next Steps
The CPD Investigative Response Team will keep probing the weapon’s entry; hospital officials will review detection procedures; legal action against the suspect is pending.
