(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mayor Brandon Johnson said on Saturday that he no longer plans to attend the funeral of fallen Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez.
The Chicago Fraternal Order of Police says the 26-year-old's family has asked Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker not to attend Monday's service.
The governor said he won't go. A statement from Mayor Johnson's office on Friday said he intended to attend the funeral service and every service for an officer, firefighter or EMT that 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,” a statement from the mayor’s office reads.
The office announce the change in plans on Sunday, the day before the funeral.
In a statement, Mayor Johnson said he wants to do right by Officer Martinez and give his family and the CPD family space to grieve.
A statement from Johnson reads:
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. 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.
Martinez was killed earlier this month during a traffic stop near 80th Street and Ingleside Avenue in East Chatham.
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