‘All clear’ given after SWAT team called to Northwestern Memorial Hospital

CHICAGO — Officials gave an ‘all clear’ Sunday night after a Chicago police SWAT team responded to Northwestern Memorial Hospital for an ‘active intruder threat.’

Per a spokesman, hospital security, Northwestern police, and CPD responded, conducted an active sweep of the building and determined no active threat.

Hospital has now resumed normal operations. 

A heavy police presence lined the 200 block of W. Huron in Streeterville.

Earlier, viewers told WGN News an apparent hostage situation might have been unfolding inside or near the hospital. As a result, the hospital was on lockdown while authorities investigated.

A man who arrived at the hospital to visit a friend says he and about 20 others were quickly ushered away by staff.

“So we were hiding, sheltering in place as it were, and it’s just very scary because you don’t know what is going on,” said Gregory O’Laughlin. “You see armed security. Armed police. Armed officers with riot shields and everything, trying to keep everything secure, and it’s just very scary.”

O’Laughlin adds that he saw several people in need of medical attention.

The hospital spokesperson adds that the threat came in as an outside call and an investigation is now underway.

Chicago News