Family of slain Chicago cop asks Dem Mayor Brandon Johnson not to attend funeral

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced he will not attend the funeral services for slain police officer Enrique Martinez after the officer's family asked him not to be present. Initially planning to attend, Johnson changed his decision following criticism for not adhering to the family’s request.

"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,” Johnson’s office said in a statement, according to NBC Chicago.

“This has been an emotional two weeks for the loved ones of Officer Martinez, the Chicago Police Department, and the city of Chicago,” the statement continued. “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.”

The request for Johnson, as well as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, not to attend the funeral was made public by a friend of Martinez’s family during a press conference otuside Chicago's 8th police district. 

“Enrique Martinez’s family called me up this evening and said they could not do this,” George Barzydlo explained. “They definitely do not want the mayor at any of the functions for Enrique. Plain and simple to the point.”

Officer Enrique Martinez, 26, was killed in the line of duty earlier this month during a traffic stop. The incident escalated when passenger Darion McMillian pulled out a pistol and opened fire, killing Martinez and the driver of the vehicle. Martinez had been working for the department for nearly three years.