"One officer will not return home," Mayor Brandon Johnson said of the tragic day.
Tragedy at Swedish Hospital: Officer Killed, Another Critically Wounded
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, a shooting at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital in Chicago resulted in the death of one police officer and critical injuries to another. The suspect, a robbery suspect who was in police custody, was apprehended after a brief manhunt. The incident is under investigation.
Incident Timeline
According to hospital and police officials, the sequence of events was as follows:
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Approximately 9 a.m.: Law enforcement brought a male robbery suspect to the emergency department at Swedish Hospital, located in the 2600 block of West Winona Street, for medical treatment. Upon arrival, hospital security scanned the suspect for weapons using a metal detector wand, in accordance with standard safety protocols. The suspect was accompanied by law enforcement at all times.
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Approximately 11 a.m.: The suspect obtained a firearm and opened fire on the officers. He then fled the hospital building. The hospital was immediately placed on lockdown.
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Shortly after the shooting: The suspect was apprehended by police following a manhunt that included a SWAT response. A weapon was recovered from the scene.
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Around 2 p.m.: The hospital lockdown was lifted.
Casualties and Suspect
- Deceased Officer: Officer John Bartholomew, 38, a 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department assigned to the 17th District (Albany Park). He was pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center.
- Wounded Officer: A 57-year-old officer who has served with the department for 21 years. He is being treated at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and was listed in critical condition.
- Suspect: The suspect, who was in custody for robbery at the time of the incident, has not been publicly identified. As of Sunday morning, no charges had been announced.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified Officer Bartholomew on Sunday morning.
Official Statements and Response
- Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed the shooting and requested prayers for the officers’ families.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson described the day as tragic, noting that one officer will not return home.
- Alderman Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) confirmed the suspect was in custody and advised residents to shelter in place during the manhunt.
- Endeavor Health released a statement confirming its cooperation with law enforcement and expressing support for the officers and their families.
"We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and our hearts are with the officers and their families." — Endeavor Health Statement
The hospital reopened to the public on Saturday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing.