Posted on 08/13/2019 5:01:57 AM PDT by csvset
Chicago "avoided tragedy" on Monday afternoon after police officers arrested a man who opened fire at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center on the city's West Side, FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet said.
According to a spokesperson at the hospital, located at 820 S. Damen Ave., staff were told to shelter in place at around 2:18 p.m.
The suspect, who was armed with an assault rifle, shot at the building initially, and then went inside the hospital, police said at a press conference.
Authorities said the suspect fired both inside and outside but declined to answer just how many shots were fired.
NBC 5's Phil Rogers has the latest on the frightening scene that took place Monday afternoon after police say they received calls of a gunman entering a VA hospital.
Within 30 seconds of the suspect entering the building, VA police officers "mitigated the threat," Special Agent Sallett said, along with federal agents, CPD, and a SWAT team.
No injuries were reported.
The facility was given the "all clear" Monday evening, Chicago police confirmed on Twitter.
NBC 5's Natalie Martinez spoke to witnesses who were at the scene where authorities responded to reports of shots possibly being fired in and out of a VA hospital Monday afternoon.
(Published Monday, Aug. 12, 2019)
In addition, CPD later confirmed they've “had contact with the suspect in the past.”
One witness told NBC 5 he was sitting by the cafeteria area when he saw people running.
"So I walked toward the pharmacy area and a gentleman came walking past me with that big gun," Oliver Robinson said.
Another witness said he's frustrated with the number of incidents that have sparked lately in the area and abroad.
"I’m upset that we’re starting to get this so regular," Hubert Evans said. "I mean almost – you don’t want to believe it. So you hesitate for a minute and think ‘is somebody joking?’ but with people running, you’re not gonna wait and think about it."
The incident remains under investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Since the hospital is a federal facility, any action taken is being looked at from a federal persepctive, officials said.
Time for my tin foil hat.
Black guy. Just another day in Chicago. I have to wonder if this was another Deep State “mass shooting” that fizzled.
I like how people and cops call a deranged killer or bank robber “the gentleman.”
Of course it was and "assault rifle" is there any other kind? I'm glad i rarely play the MSM drinking game. I would go thru a fifth in about 15 minutes if I took a shot every time the word "assault " came up.
“I have to wonder if this was another Deep State “mass shooting” that fizzled.”
Folks get flamed for saying stuff like that, but I’m not leaving that out of consideration.
A few bribes from some undercover spook. Promises of a getaway and women and money and drugs.
“shot at the building initially”
Must’ve been one hell of an eyesore. Probably went inside to check the plumbing.
If the guy turns out to be a veteran, the push would be, “Should veterans have access to assault rifles” or something along those lines. Red Flag laws come to mind.
Ah. The shooter is black. No media coverage is expected.
I go to the Viera VA Clinic in Florida. For years, going into the building front door, a guard at the front desk would check everyone’s VA ID card. Last time I went, a few weeks ago, they did away with the VA ID Card check. I don’t know if every VA facility has done away with ID checks, but at the Viera Clinic, anybody, off the street even, can now just walk into the building. So, security is non existent now.
Within 30 seconds of the suspect entering the building, VA police officers "mitigated the threat," Special Agent Sallett said, along with federal agents, CPD, and a SWAT team.
If the VA police got the guy within 30 seconds, why the response of federal agents, CPD and a SWAT team ?
Curious to see what if any other info comes out about the shooter.
The real story is the number of Veterans committing suicide at VA facilities.
***The suspect, who was armed with an assault rifle,***
Well he had better have his Illinois FOID card with him or he will be in REAL trouble!
At this point in the media everything is an "assault rifle" - even when the weapon is a pistol.
The Dayton shooter was using an AR-15 style pistol, not a rifle.
big surprise
Most single building V.A. hospitals have a guard desk at each entrance, and the V.A. police, yes THEIR OWN police, are armed. Where were the V.A. police, when this guy walks in with a rifle??
The VA police confronted him, he dropped the rifle and surrendered.
The VA police confronted him, he dropped the rifle and surrendered.
Hmmm. They probably told this guy about chitcago’s very tough gun laws and he gave it up, real quickly like.
(/s)
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