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Chicago mayor to attend fallen officer’s funeral despite family’s objections
Mayor Brandon Johnson is planning to attend the funeral for fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, despite claims that his family doesn't want him in attendance.
CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson is planning to attend the funeral for fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, despite requests from his family asking Johnson not to attend.
The controversy comes just two days before Martinez’s visitation services are scheduled.
Martinez, 26, died after being shot during a traffic stop in the 8200 block of South Ingleside Avenue in the East Chatham neighborhood earlier this month.
On Friday evening, representatives for Martinez’s family held a press conference outside of CPD’s 8th District. They’ve been clear in their wishes, stating that Johnson will not be welcomed at the funeral; however, the mayor’s spokesperson said he is still going.
The mayor's office issued a statement late Friday afternoon:
"Mayor Johnson will attend honors funeral services and celebration of life for Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez. 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."
During Friday’s press conference, Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara said the family is adamant about not wanting Johnson or Governor J.B. Pritzker at the services.
Earlier this week, the governor's office said they always respect the wishes of the family and will not attend.
A longtime friend of the Martinez family also spoke on Friday evening, along with fallen officer Luis Huesca’s mother, and State Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar.
Guerrero-Cuellar explained that Martinez’s family asked her to contact both the governor's office and the mayor's office to relay their request—just as she did for Huesca's funeral in April.
"I spoke to the Chief of Staff for the governor and immediately, immediately without hesitation, the governor respected the family’s wishes. I spoke to the Chief of Staff for Mayor Johnson, who I would say, disrespectfully and rudely did not understand the message I was trying to deliver, so therefore, I called the mayor directly; he did not answer. I sent a text message clearly stating what the family’s wishes were. I did not hear a response at any point in time, I still have not heard a response," Guerrero-Cuellar said. "I’m here to reiterate, this is very simple, the family is asking to respect their wishes for the mayor not to attend the funeral services. This is not about the mayor; this is about the family’s wishes."
Darion McMillian, 23, was charged with several felonies, including first-degree murder of a police officer in Martinez's killing.
Funeral Information
- A visitation for Officer Enrique Martinez will be held Sunday, Nov. 17, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, located at 4727 West 103rd Street in Oak Lawn.
- A Christian burial mass will be held on Monday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, located at 7740 South Western Avenue in Chicago.