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Dem Chicago Mayor Told By Family of Slain Officer to Not Attend Funeral
Charlie Kirk Staff
11/18/2024
A funeral service was held on Monday for Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, who was killed in the line of duty two weeks ago. The city’s mayor did not attend, following a request from the officer’s family.
Darion C. McMillian, 23, faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, for the killing of 26-year-old Officer Martinez on November 4, Fox News reports.
“My brother and I… we wanted to become Chicago police officers… it was our calling,” said Adrian Martinez, also a police officer, during the funeral. “Becoming police officers was not just a job title for us, but who we were supposed to be.”
The service was attended by hundreds, including fellow officers, public officials, and citizens who gathered to honor Martinez’s memory.
Initially, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson had planned to attend the funeral, but he reversed his decision over the weekend.
“The family of Officer Enrique Martinez continues to be in my prayers as they prepare to lay him to rest. I heard from the family and am honoring their request and will no longer plan to attend the honors funeral services,” Johnson said in a statement.
“This has been an emotional two weeks for the loved ones of Officer Martinez, the Chicago Police Department, and the city of Chicago. We all want to do right by Officer Martinez and give his family and the CPD family space to grieve. The focus must remain on Officer Martinez, his loved ones, and the CPD as our city continues to honor his ultimate sacrifice and legacy of service.”
This statement came after Johnson’s initial comments on Friday, when he expressed his intention to attend.
“Mayor Johnson will attend honors funeral services and celebration of life for Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez,” he said previously. “Mayor Johnson will join Superintendent Snelling and the Chicago Police Department to honor the legacy of service Officer Martinez will forever inspire. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with the Martinez family and Officer Martinez’s beloved fiancé.
“The Mayor of Chicago will attend all honors funeral services for every Police Officer, Firefighter or EMT who loses their life in the line of duty. These official honor services are solemn moments to honor the sacrifice of our officers and first responders. It is the Mayor’s honor to support the officers of the entire Chicago Police Department, especially in moments of grief.”
On Friday evening, representatives for Martinez’s family held a press conference, stating that both Mayor Johnson and Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker would not be welcome at the funeral.
The governor’s office also confirmed it would respect the family’s wishes and not attend the service.
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