CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The head of Chicago's police union said the family of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, who was shot to death last week, does not want Mayor Brandon Johnson at his funeral.
John Catanzara, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, said he doesn't want to see a repeat of what happened with the funeral of Officer Luis Huesca earlier in 2024. The family didn't want Johnson there for the funeral, and the mayor waited until the night before to honor their wishes.
"This family should not have to endure what the Huesca family endured, waiting to see if you are going to be a class act or a piece of garbage," Catanzara said. "Do not show up. You are not welcome. This is not John Catanzara, Lodge 7 or anybody. I am simply the messenger for the family, but I already know you have received this message from several people prior to me."
The family also does not want Gov. J.B. Pritzker to attend. In the video message, Catanzara thanked Pritzker for "acknowledging and respecting the family's wishes.
"Shame on you, Mayor Johnson, for not either publicly acknowledging it or calling the family directly, extending your condolences and telling them you will honor their wishes and not attend the wake or the funeral," Catanzara said.
WBBM Newsradio has reached out to the mayor's office for comment.
The union president said Martinez was murdered by "a piece of garbage who should have never been on the street."
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