Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will not attend Monday's funeral for slain Officer Enrique Martinez, respecting the family's wishes that politicians avoid the funeral.
Mr Johnson had originally planned to attend, but changed his mind after a backlash over his failure to respect the requests of grieving families.
“The family of Officer Enrique Martinez continues to keep me in my prayers as they prepare for his burial.” According to NBC Chicago, we have heard from the family and are honoring their wishes and will “I have no intention of attending the funeral,” his office said in a statement.
“The last two weeks have been emotional for Officer Martinez's loved ones, 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 some space to grieve.” I want to give you that,” he added.
“As our city continues to honor his legacy of ultimate sacrifice and service, our focus must remain on Officer Martinez, his loved ones, and CPD.”
Mr. Johnson's reversal came just a day after a friend of Mr. Martinez's family made an impassioned plea outside the 8th Police Precinct that neither Mr. Johnson nor Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker attend the church service.
“Enrique Martinez's family called me this evening and said they can't do this,” George Balzidro said.
“They definitely don't want the mayor to be present at any of Mr. Enrique's events. Keep it to the point, plain and simple.”
Martinez, 26, was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop earlier this month.
Darrion McMillian, who was in the passenger seat of the stopped car, allegedly pulled out an automatic pistol and fired, killing Martinez and the driver of the car.
