Chicago hospital shooting claims 3 lives

Four people have died in a shooting at a Chicago hospital, including two female members of staff and a police officer, and the gunman himself.

The two women killed were a doctor and a pharmaceutical assistant, Mayor Rahm Emanuel confirmed.

A police spokesman said the gunman had died in an exchange of shots, but it is not clear if he took his own life.

A second officer avoided injury after a bullet fired in his direction became lodged in his gun, police said.

Officials say the gunman appeared to target a woman he was in a relationship with, but they do not suggest a motive.

"Chicago lost a doctor, pharmaceutical assistant and a police officer, all going about their day, all doing what they love," said Mr Emanuel. "This tears at the soul of our city. It is the face and the consequence of evil."

The incident occurred at Chicago's Mercy Hospital at about 15:00 local time (21:00 GMT) on Monday.

The incident comes just days after some US medical professionals became involved in an online campaign protesting against gun violence.

The hashtag #ThisIsOurLane was used by doctors in response to a tweet from America's powerful pro-gun group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), that suggested anti-gun doctors should "stay in their lane" after high-profile shootings.

Some doctors rebuked the assertion - sharing emotional stories and blood-splattered photographs of their treatment of gun violence victims.

Source: bbc