Chicago Hospital Transport Shooting: One Officer Killed, Another Critically Wounded; Suspect In Custody

One Chicago police officer was killed and a second is critically wounded after a prisoner who had been brought to Swedish Hospital for treatment opened fire Saturday morning, officials said. The suspect remains in custody and investigators recovered a third weapon at the scene, though its precise location has not been disclosed.

What Happened

According to Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling, a man already in custody arrived at the Swedish Hospital Emergency Department at about 9:00 a.m. He was screened with a wand and escorted by officers in line with the hospital's public safety weapon-detection protocols. Less than two hours later, at approximately 10:50 a.m., two transport officers were shot while at the hospital.

One officer was pronounced dead at the scene. The other officer, a 57-year-old with 21 years on the force, was transported to a hospital in serious condition and is "fighting for his life," officials said. The slain officer was identified as a 38-year-old, 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department.

Chicago police officers stand outside a nearby hospital awaiting updates on two fellow officers shot during a prisoner transport incident at Swedish Hospital in Chicago April 25, 2026. A suspect was taken into custody after a brief manhunt in the surrounding neighborhood.(Getty Images)

Suspect, Weapons and Scene

The male prisoner — who was initially arrested on suspected robbery charges — was apprehended at the scene and remains in custody. Snelling said a "third weapon" was recovered during the investigation, but authorities have not yet disclosed where it was found.

"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... They understand that that is a hazard of this job and this profession," Snelling said during a Saturday news conference.

City Response and Impact

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the shooting "a real difficult moment for our city" and urged residents to pray for the fallen officer's family and for the injured officer's recovery. Gilbert Villegas, alderperson for the 36th Ward, thanked the Chicago Police Department for its quick response and expressed concern for hospital staff and others present.

Swedish Hospital confirmed no staff members or patients were injured and said it is cooperating with law enforcement. The Chicago Transit Authority temporarily rerouted some bus lines near the hospital because of police activity.

This remains a developing story. Authorities said they will provide updates as the investigation continues.