CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson will not attend slain Officer Luis Huesca’s funeral Monday after reports Huesca’s family asked him to stay away.
Huesca was killed early April 21 in Gage Park while on his way home from work. His funeral is set to begin 10 a.m. Monday, with large crowds of mourning officers, supporters and Huesca’s family expected to gather.
Mayors and other officials traditionally attend slain officers’ funerals — but state Comptroller Susana Mendoza tweeted early Monday that Huesca’s mother asked her to tell Johnson “he was unwelcome at her son’s funeral.” Other reports similarly suggested Huesca’s family did not want Johnson to attend.
Mendoza said she called Johnson’s office to relay the message Sunday night, but his staff still sent out a schedule for Monday morning suggesting Johnson would attend.
Shortly before 9 a.m., though, Johnson’s office released a message confirming he will not attend the funeral.
“We continue to send our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of Officer Luis Huesca as they heal from the loss of their beloved son, nephew, brother and friend,” Johnson said in a news release. “As mayor, I vow to continue supporting our police and first responders, uniting our city and remaining committed to working with everyone towards building a better, stronger, safer Chicago.
“My heart is with the Huesca family today. God bless them and God bless the city of Chicago.”
Huesca’s funeral begins 10 a.m. Monday. He is survived by his mother, uncle and sister.
Police have issued an arrest warrant for Xavier L. Tate, 22, saying he’s connected to the slaying.
Police released images of Tate on Friday night, asking people with information about his whereabouts to call detectives at 312-747-8380 or submit an anonymous tip online at CPDTip.com. Tate is considered armed and dangerous, and people should call 911 but should not approach Tate if they see him, police said.
The warrant is for first-degree murder, with court records saying Tate fired a gun at Huesca and killed him, according to the Tribune.
Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are offering a combined $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in connection to Huesca’s slaying, according to a police news release. The Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and FBI are offering another $75,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
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