Mayor Brandon Johnson will attend the funeral of Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez, despite his family not wanting him there

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will attend the funeral of fallen Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez on Monday, despite the wishes of the officer’s family.

Officer Martinez died in the line of duty earlier this month.

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The Fraternal Order of Police has said the officer’s family does not want Chicago Mayor and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to attend the funeral.

There was an impassioned plea from a friend of the Martinez family during a news conference Friday evening at the 8th Precinct. A solidarity line formed late outside the Southwest Side police station to send a clear and blunt message on behalf of Officer Martinez’s family. Still too sad to speak publicly, a family friend, George Barzydlo, came forward with their demands.

“Enrique Martinez’s family called me tonight and said they couldn’t do this,” Barzydlo said. ‘They absolutely do not want the mayor to be present at any of the functions for Enrique. Clear and simple, to the point.’

Officer Enrique Martinez was shot and killed on Nov. 4 during a traffic stop near 80th and Ingleside.

State Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, who has spoken with the Martinez family, said she has already conveyed the family’s message in no uncertain terms to both Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson.

“Immediately and without hesitation, the governor respected the family’s wishes,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “I immediately called the mayor, he did not answer. I sent a text message that clearly stated what the family’s wishes were. I have not heard a response at any time. I still have not heard a response.”

Governor Pritzker has said he will not attend.

“We always ask family members if they would be comfortable with the governor attending memorial services,” a spokesperson for the governor said. “The absolute priority is to ensure that no additional stress is added to one of the worst days of their lives, and the Governor will always respect the family’s wishes. Governor Pritzker and the First Lady continue to control Officer Martinez and his family. thoughts and prayers.”

Mayor Johnson’s office said Friday afternoon, “The Mayor of Chicago will attend all honorable funeral services for any police officer, firefighter or EMT who is killed in the line of duty, and that it is the Mayor’s honor to support the officers of the entire police department. .” Chicago Police, especially in moments of grief.”

Edith Huesca made the same demand to Mayor Johnson just six months ago when her son, Officer Luis Huesca, was shot after returning home from work.

“If the mayor truly wants to honor fallen officers, then change the policies that put them in danger… until then, let this family grieve in peace and honor Officer Martinez,” said Edith Huesca.

Mayor Johnson did not attend Officer Huesca’s funeral after initially planning to do so.

Officer Carlos Yanez, who lost his police partner in a traffic stop, made a personal plea to the mayor.

“I stand here to say on behalf of the Martinez family that this mayor better not show up,” Yanez said. “Haven’t they been through enough?”

A wake visitation service for Officer Martinez will be held Sunday, November 17 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 18, at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago.

A GoFundMe has been started to raise donations for the Martinez family.

Police said 23-year-old Darion McMillian shot and killed Martinez and the driver of the car McMillian was in before the Harvey man was arrested later that evening.

McMillian is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and more.

Last week, a judge ordered him to remain in custody pending trial.

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