Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will not attend the funeral of slain Officer Enrique Martinez on Monday — honoring the family’s wish that politicians stay away from the service.
Johnson had initially planned to attend, but backed out after backlash over failing to honor the grieving family’s request.
“The family of Officer Enrique Martinez is in my prayers as they prepare to bid him farewell. “I have heard from the family and am respecting their request and will no longer plan to attend respectful funeral services,” his office said in a statement, according to NBC Chicago.
“It 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 treat Officer Martinez fairly and allow his family and the CPD family an opportunity to grieve.”
“The focus must remain on Officer Martinez, his loved ones, and CPD as our city continues to honor his legacy of supreme sacrifice and service.”
Johnson’s counterattack comes just a day after a family friend of Martinez made an emotional plea outside the 8th Police District that neither Johnson nor Illinois Governor JB Pritzker would attend the service.
“Enrique Martínez’s family called me this evening and said they can’t do it,” Jorge Barzidlo said.
“They certainly don’t want the mayor at any ceremony for Enrique. The matter is very clear and simple.”
Martínez, 26, died in the line of duty earlier this month during a traffic stop,
Darian McMillian, who was sitting in the passenger seat of the towed vehicle, pulled out an automatic pistol and allegedly opened fire – killing Martinez and the driver of the car.
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