Chicago Mayor Slammed for Skipping Fallen Officer's Funeral Amid Police Tensions

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has faced backlash from a retired police lieutenant who called his absence from the funeral of Officer Luis Huesca a "slap in the face." The family of Huesca reportedly barred Johnson from attending, citing tensions between the police department and mayor's office over crime policies.

Retired Chicago police lieutenant John Garrido expressed outrage on "FOX & Friends First" over Mayor Brandon Johnson's decision to skip the funeral of Officer Luis Huesca, who was killed while off-duty last month. Garrido alleged that Johnson's absence was a "slap in the face" to Huesca's family and the entire police force.

According to reports, Huesca's family told Johnson's office that he was not welcome at the funeral due to growing tensions between the police department and mayor's office. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza claimed she personally conveyed the family's wishes to Johnson, asking him to honor their request.

Johnson's office has not yet responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment. However, Johnson released a written statement mourning Huesca's death and expressing condolences to the family. "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.

Huesca, 30, was killed just two days shy of his 31st birthday when he responded to a gunshot alert and encountered a wounded officer who had been carjacked. Huesca was shot multiple times and died at a nearby hospital.

His funeral was held at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, attended by police, firefighters, and other mourners. Garrido, the retired police lieutenant, criticized Johnson for skipping the event, saying it sent a "terrible message" to police officers.

"It's a slap in the face to the family of Officer Huesca and to every police officer in the city of Chicago," Garrido said. "It shows that he doesn't care about us and that he's not standing behind us."

Garrido further argued that Johnson's absence exacerbated the rift between the police department and mayor's office. "This is going to make it even harder for us to do our jobs and keep the city safe," he said.

The Chicago Police Department has been grappling with staffing shortages and a surge in violent crime. Last year, the city saw a record number of homicides. Mayor Johnson has pledged to support the police and reduce crime, but critics say his policies have not been effective.

The death of Officer Huesca has further strained relations between the police and the mayor's office. Garrido and other critics believe that Johnson's absence from the funeral was a symbol of the mayor's lack of respect for law enforcement.