Family of Officer Enrique Martinez Doesn’t Want Mayor Johnson, Gov. Pritzker at Funeral, FOP Head Says
Officer’s Family Requests Elected Officials Stay Away
Slain Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez’s family doesn’t want Gov. JB Pritzker or Mayor Brandon Johnson to attend his funeral next week, according to John Catanzara, president of the union representing Chicago’s rank-and-file cops.
Family’s Request
The family has been “very clear they do not want the governor or the mayor to attend” the funeral on Nov. 18, Catanzara said in a video posted to the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police YouTube channel on Monday.
Mayor’s Response
He added that Pritzker has acknowledged the request and indicated he plans to honor it, but Johnson has yet to follow suit. “Shame on you, Mayor Johnson,” Catanzara said.
Funeral Traditions
Chicago mayors have typically attended the funerals of officers who died in the line of duty, but families of those officers have increasingly requested elected officials stay away.
Previous Examples
Earlier this year, the family of Officer Luis Huesca also asked Johnson and Pritzker not to attend his funeral. And Johnson’s predecessor faced even more pointed treatment from Chicago police officers.
August 2021 Incident
In August 2021, officers were gathered on the seventh floor at the University of Chicago Medical Center after the fatal shooting of Officer Ella French and the wounding of French’s partner, Carlos Yanez Jr. When Mayor Lori Lightfoot arrived, the assembled cops turned their backs to her.
Memorial Mass Held
A memorial Mass was held Sunday at St. Christina Parish in Mount Greenwood for slain Officer Enrique Martinez. The neighborhood is home to many police and firefighters.
Officer’s Background
Martinez, 26, was killed Nov. 4 during a traffic stop in the Chatham neighborhood. He was shot several times and pronounced dead at University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was driven by fellow officers. He had been on the job less than three years.
Arrest and Charges
Darion McMillian, 23, was charged last week with killing Martinez using a handgun modified with an extended magazine and switch making it fully automatic. McMillian also allegedly shot and killed his friend, who was in the driver’s seat of the stopped vehicle.
FOP President’s Comments
In Monday’s video Catanzara called Martinez a “bright star” in the department who was “snatched way too soon by a piece of garbage who should have never been on the street.” The FOP president also said Martinez’s killing meant more than a “normal murder” because “if these scumbags are willing to murder an officer in uniform in cold blood nobody stands a chance.”
Funeral Details
Hundreds are expected to pay their respects to Martinez at his funeral Monday morning at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave.
Conclusion
The funeral service for Officer Enrique Martinez is a time for the community to come together and pay their respects to a fallen hero. While the family has requested that elected officials not attend the service, it is clear that Martinez’s sacrifice will not be forgotten.
FAQs
Q: Why is the family of Officer Enrique Martinez not wanting Mayor Johnson and Gov. Pritzker to attend his funeral?
A: The family has requested that elected officials not attend the funeral out of respect for Martinez’s memory.
Q: What is the typical protocol for attending the funerals of officers who died in the line of duty?
A: Chicago mayors have typically attended the funerals of officers who died in the line of duty, but families of those officers have increasingly requested elected officials stay away.
Q: What is the significance of Officer Enrique Martinez’s killing?
A: Martinez’s killing is significant because it highlights the risks that police officers face every day, and the need for the community to come together to support them.
