Three killed in Chicago hospital shooting

Three people have been killed after a gunman opened fire outside Chicago’s Mercy hospital on the city’s South Side, before entering the building and continuing to shoot.

The 32-year-old gunman was also killed during an exchange of gunfire with police, although it remains unclear whether he was shot by officers or if he took his own life.

Among those killed were police officer Samuel Jimenez, a doctor and a pharmaceutical assistant, according to media reports.

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A witness, identified as James Gray, told media that the shooting began in the parking lot of the hospital, where the gunman was walking with a woman.

“He turned and repeatedly shot the woman in the chest. He then entered the hospital and continued firing,” The Guardian reports.

A second police officer avoided injury when “a bullet fired in his direction became lodged in his gun”, the BBC reports. Chicago police later released images of the firearm with the bullet lodged in its side.

Police have not provided a motive for the shooting, but have suggested that the man targeted a woman with whom he had an existing relationship.