Chicago: Hospital shooting leaves three dead; gunman also killed
Less than two weeks after the Thousand Oaks shooting in California rocked the US, another gun violence tragedy has befallen the nation. On Monday afternoon, local time, a shooting at the Mercy Hospital in Chicago left three people, including a police officer dead. At the end of it all, the gunman was shot dead by police. Here's more.
Details of the incident
Among the deceased were Chicago Police officer Samuel Jimenez, a doctor, and a medical assistant. The shooting reportedly took place after the gunman visited his girlfriend, the doctor, at the hospital and had an argument with her. The gunman then shot the doctor, and when police arrived, opened fire on them. The resultant shootout ultimately led to the gunman getting shot dead.
The Chicago Police saved a lot of lives
"Those officers that responded today saved a lot of lives. They were heroes because we just don't know how much damage (the shooter) was prepared to do," said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson.
The grisly details of the gun violence at Mercy Hospital
At around 3.30pm local time, police reached the Mercy Hospital after emergency calls informed them that a man had brandished a gun. By the time they reached the hospital, the gunman had shot his girlfriend multiple times, reportedly over a "broken engagement", and was seen standing over her as fired more shots at her. The gunman then opened fire at police, and fled inside.
The ensuing shootout with police left the gunman dead
Officer Jimenez and his partner gave chase, and Jimenez was shot as he entered the lobby. A medical assistant was hit too, as she exited the elevator. Then, as more police officers arrived on the scene, exchange of fire between police and the shooter resulted in the latter's death. It is unknown whether he took his own life. It's also unclear how many were injured.
