Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew Funeral Held After Fatal Swedish Hospital Shooting

The funeral for John Bartholomew is being held today at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church following the tragic shooting at Swedish Hospital that claimed the officer’s life.

Bartholomew, a 38-year-old 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was fatally shot on April 25 while guarding a suspect receiving treatment at Swedish Hospital in Chicago. Authorities said another veteran officer was also seriously wounded during the incident.

Prosecutors allege that suspect Alphonso Talley had been arrested earlier that day for allegedly robbing and assaulting a Family Dollar employee. After claiming he needed medical treatment, Talley was transported to the hospital, where police say he pulled a hidden firearm and opened fire on the officers before attempting to escape.

The funeral service is drawing fellow officers, city officials, family members, and community supporters to Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Road closures are expected throughout the North Side, including parts of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Sheridan Road, and Bryn Mawr Avenue.

Officials confirmed that the injured officer remains hospitalized but has shown signs of improvement and is reportedly alert and responsive.

The shooting has renewed conversations around hospital security, prisoner transport procedures, and officer safety in Chicago as the community mourns the loss of Officer Bartholomew.